November 1, 2005
As today is the feast of All Saints, I thought it might be helpful and appropriate to turn our attention to these holy men and women who have gone before us. Many Christians, most notably Catholic and Orthodox, venerate the saints, that is, honor them; yet it is a practice which may confuse and even horrify some other Christians. So, here are a few thoughts which I hope can be a help to all.
First, the practice of “praying to the saints” dates back to the earliest years of the Church. It was not considered a heterodox or heretical practice, nor was it an accretion or a layover from pagan religions as some Protestant authors claim. Both archeology and ancient writings which date back to the beginnings of the Church attest to the fact that Christians did indeed seek the prayers of others, most notably the martyrs. Some of you have visited Rome’s catacombs and saw the ancient sarcophagi adorned with painted palm branches, the symbol of victory. There, etched in the stone, is “Ora pro nobis” – pray for us. One of a number of biblical references to the intercession of the martyrs can be found in the Book of Revelation (6: 9-11).
As Christians we believe that those who have died for Christ surely live with Christ; therefore, those who have died are indeed alive. When one is in the presence of pure Love, one cannot help but love – and in a most wonderful way. If the mark of authentic holiness here on earth is concern and charity toward one’s neighbor and even one’s enemy, in heaven would not this expression of holiness only increase? In Revelation we read that the souls of the martyrs are “restless” and “cry out with a loud voice”. The saints in heaven are not in retirement, but rather enthusiastically employed and engaged putting their intense love into action.
If you take a step back a bit, one can easily understand why some very good people oppose us in this matter. When we look at it from their perspective, can we see some who at least appear to be more enthusiastic about “their saint” than their Savior? What should be a help to their discipleship actually becomes a hindrance; and their apparent dedication, in the end, becomes a distraction. Ardent devotees of some saint, like Saint Anthony for example, may know very little about him. No, the problem doesn’t lie only in veneration, but rather in education and imitation. No wonder some Southern Baptists think we Catholics are more than weird. We’re so proud of our solid gold saint medal swinging from our neck on Sunday morning, yet not ashamed of swinging from chandeliers the night before!
The word “scandal” comes from the Greek word “skandalon” which means a “trip wire”, or stumbling block. Surface devotion to the saints, without at least an honest attempt to imitate, causes confusion and derision. This scandalous behavior doesn’t make the second page of the paper, but it also does not go unnoticed by God and the friends of God. As people are attracted by the natural beauty of a sunset or a simple flower, they are also attracted by supernatural beauty. True devotion is always translated into true charity and humility, which never makes a person stumble, but walk, indeed run, in the ways of the Lord.
God willing, when we one day enter heaven – probably after spending some time in “the sauna” or “beauty parlor” popularly called “purgatory” – part of our joy will be meeting the saints. We will personally meet the millions upon millions of the men, women, and children who held heaven in their hearts even though many went through hell here on earth. They will appear youthful, full of life and gleaming brighter than silver or gold. As on earth, their work in heaven will be two-fold, namely, adoration and intercession – love of God and love of neighbor. Doesn’t it make sense that what they did so well on earth they would do more perfectly in heaven?
So friends, let us then not dishonor the saints by simply having their image hang near our hearts without having the One whom they adore dwell within them. Saints of God, ora pro nobis!
Fr. Glenn Sudano, CFR
_________________________________________________
www.franciscanfriars.com
comments: fromthefriars@
franciscanfriars.com
