The Communion of saints

              The New Dictionary of Catholic Spirituality notes that “the wider communion of saints unites across the boundaries of time and space. This communion includes those at the margins as well as those in the mainstream of Christian Traditions.”

               The canonized saints as well as the unlisted saints make up a large canopy over us that strengthen and encourages us to create the path/way that can lead each of us individually to reach the full communion of saints within the Body of Christ. A uniting factor is an uncompromising commitment with a willingness to sacrifice everything for the sake of reaching a perfect relationship with God within the communion of the Trinity.

               Some of the variety of Saints in October liturgies are:

               Oct. 1. St. Theresa of Lisieux who in 1873 wrote “I am only a very little soul who can only offer very little things to Our Lord.”

               Oct. 15. St. Theresa of Avila (1515) wrote volumes on the stages of prayer with a great sense of humor. Once her travelling carriage turned over and she fell into streams of muddy water, exclaiming to God; “How could you let this happen?” God replied, “This is how I treat my friends.” Her answer: “No wonder you have so few of them.”

               Oct. 17. St. Ignatius of Antioch (107) wrote on his way to Rome to be martyred by the being to beasts. “Let me be fodder for wild beasts if that is how I can get to God. I am God’s wheat and I am being ground by the teeth of wild beasts to make a pure loaf for Christ.”

               As we reflect upon these saints and many more, let remembere the Letter to the Hebrews 12:1ff. “Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes on Jesus, the leader and perfection of faith.”

                              Sr. Joan Gripshover, OSB