What is a Saint?

[My colleague, Glen VanderKloot, pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Springfield, Illinois, sends out daily emailed inspirations. Today, he presents a piece on All Saints' Day. If you'd like to receive Glen's inspirations, simply send him an email at olwf1@gliq.net and put SUBSCRIBE on the subject line..]

Today is All Saint's Day. What makes a person a saint?

We think of people. People for whom special days, hospitals and churches are named after. We might think of more recent people – people who have made significant contributions to our world, Martin Luther, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Oscar Romero of Central America.

We might think of Mother Theresa of Calcutta, the young girl from Columbine High School who is reported to have declared her faith and was shot as a result. We might even include a grandmother or grandfather, aunt or uncle.

A bishop of Sweden once said…

"Saints are those who make it easier for us to believe in God."

Robert Louis Stevenson said..

"Saints are sinners who keep on going."

A saint is one who is faithful in all circumstances, one whose identity is not shaken by the daily circumstances, the ups and downs of life.

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Scripture Verse
Hebrews 12:1-3

Such a large crowd of witnesses is all around us! So we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially the sin that just won't let go. And we must be determined to run the race that is ahead of us. We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete…So keep your mind on Jesus, who put up with many insults from sinners. Then you won't get discouraged and give up.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for the saints who have gone before us and provide examples of faith for us. Let us follow in their footsteps. Amen.

[UPDATE: Pastor Jeff of Conblogeration has linked to this post and added his own wonderful reflections on All Saints' Day.]