Most other statues or religious images are created with a similar, airbrushed perfection. And so often I find myself thinking one thing when I see them: I wish I knew who you really were. It's like looking at old photographs of long-dead relatives. We often grow up loving and respecting them from what's been passed down, but we'll never truly know them.
These images show us a perfect face. And we are told that these men and women are our role models in our life with God.
Sometimes, it's easy to feel discouraged. After all, they all seem so holy. Talk about setting the bar high!
But the truth is that these saints lived very human lives. We don't call them saints because they were sinless and untouchable. In fact, for the vast majority that couldn't be farther from the truth. Augustine, Francis and Ignatius were all materialistic playboys before they encountered God. Catherine of Siena argued fiercely with the Pope. Bernadette of Lourdes was considered contrary, stubborn and aloof by her superiors. Padre Pio's temper was world famous.
The same can be said of many of the Bible's greatest "characters" — David had an affair. Peter denied Jesus. Paul was a murderer. Mary Magdalene is thought to have been a prostitute.
All of them continued to struggle with temptation and sin even after they committed to following God's will. We call them saints because of their perseverance in faith, not their perfection.
The Church has saints to show us that anything can be overcome with God's grace and a willing heart. They are as unique and troubled as we are. If they can become holy — if they can be the best version of themselves — then we can, too. It's as simple as acknowledging when we fall, and asking for God's help to get up again.
The Lord wills not the death of a sinner but rather that he should turn and live. ... There is a time of endurance, a time of long suffering, a time of healing, a time of correction. Have you stumbled? Arise. Have you sinned? Cease.
—St. Basil of Caesarea
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