Lesson from Fr. Paulus | Saints Experience Joy Amid Sorrow

What is the unique characteristic common to every saint?

It certainly isn't intelligence. You don't have to be super-smart to be a saint.

It certainly isn't good looks. The unique characteristic of saints isn't even a great personality.

The unique characteristic isn't wealth and worldly success - we do have canonized saints who were empresses, but we also have those who were hermits and beggars.

The characteristic shared by all the saints, the one sure sign of mature holiness, is none of those things.

Rather, it is the truly amazing ability to experience deep joy even in the middle of terrible sorrow.

This is what Jesus means when he says that those who are poor, in mourning, and persecuted are blessed.

Holiness is a mature friendship with Jesus Christ, a friendship so deep and strong that it allows us to experience the joy of eternal life even while still fighting the painful battles of our earthly exile.

Every single one of us is called to experience true joy even in the midst of life's harshest sufferings. Because every single one of us is called to holiness, to mature friendship with Jesus Christ.

To help us renew this friendship, which we have all begun, Jesus gives us two things in today's liturgy: hope and advice.

He gives us hope by reminding us that this level of spiritual maturity is really possible, because he is the one making it happen.

St. John remind us: "Beloved: See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God."

It is God's grace that transforms normal bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ. So too God's love and grace will transform us from selfish sinners into stout-hearted saints - if we let him.

And that's where the advice comes in.

In today's Alleluia verse, Jesus tells us our part in the process: "Come to me all you that labor and are burdened."

To find joy of holiness, we must "come to Jesus" in the midst of our trials and crosses, staying close to him through prayer, confession, and the Eucharist. Only then will we learn how trustworthy he is, and discover the secret to joy amidst sorrow.

Today as Jesus comes close to us again, let's promise never again to let selfishness, sin, or discouragement lead us away from him. It's a promise he died to help us keep.