Can I Really Become a Saint?

When I was growing up, I actually thought it was arrogant to say (even secretly to myself) "I want to be a saint!".  I thought it was hubris talking.  And we all know "pride cometh before the fall", so who would dare risk saying that out loud?

It wasn't until I was well past 30 years of age that I actually heard these words spoken by a feisty cloistered nun many of us lovingly still call, Mother, "We are all called to be great saints. Don't miss the opportunity!"  Did I just hear that correctly?  We are called to be saints?  No. Not just saints, GREAT saints!  For the first time in my life, I gave myself permission to say those words (first of course secretly in my head, then ever so slightly louder and louder over the years in prayer) "I want to be a saint!".

Fast forward a few more years and my husband and I were in the midst of completing 33 Days to Morning Glory, our total consecration to Jesus through Mary when I came across this short prayer that I try to remember to say daily:

"Mary, I want to be a saint.  I know that you want me to be a saint, and that it's your God given mission to form me into one.  So at this moment on this day I freely choose to give you my permission to do your work in me, through your spouse, the Holy Spirit."

Then just yesterday, I was reading through some of the exerts of St. Faustina's Diary on the Divine Mercy App and this is what Jesus said about our desire to be saints:

"This firm resolution to become a saint is extremely pleasing to Me.  I bless your efforts and will give you opportunities to sanctify yourself.  Be watchful that you lose no opportunity that My providence offers you for sanctification. If you do not succeed in taking advantage of an opportunity, do not loose your peace, but humble yourself profoundly before Me and, with great trust, immerse yourself completely in My mercy.  In this way, you gain more than you have lost, because more favor is granted to a humble soul than the soul itself asks for. "(paragraph # 1361)

Our Lord goes on to say:

"Let souls who are striving for perfection particularly adore My mercy, because the abundance of graces which I grant them flows from My mercy.  I desire that these souls distinguish themselves by boundless trust in My mercy.  I myself with attend to the sanctification of such souls.  I will provide them with everything they will need to attain sanctity.  The graces of My mercy are drawn by means of one vessel only, and that is--trust.  The more a soul trusts, the more it will receive.  Souls that trust boundlessly are a great comfort to Me, because I pour all the treasures of My graces into them.  I rejoice that they ask for much, because it is My desire to give much, very much.  On the other hand, I am sad when souls ask for little, when they narrow their hearts." (paragraphs # 1577-78)

So if you are anything like me and you have thought "I'm weak. I'm a sinner.  I could never become a saint.", please find hope in these words our Lord Jesus has revealed to us.  NEVER lose heart but always, ALWAYS trust in Jesus' Divine Mercy.  Together we can help each other become great saints!!!!

Many blessings to you and yours,