November 1, 2007 at Saint Mark Church in Norman, OK
Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14 + Psalm 24 + 1 John 3: 1-3 + Matthew 5: 1-12
These Gospel verses could easily be published under a new title, and I can imagine the cover: it would be yellow with black print running diagonally across the page. If you are a browser of book stores, that image might make you think of a familiar cover design with many specific titles. This one would be: Sanctity for Dummies! That is all it really is – “A Smart Guide”, or “Sanctity Made Simple.”
It is a portrait of what we shall be when we finally decide to become what God has made us to become: poor in spirit…meek…and merciful; hungry and thirsty righteousness, clean of heart and makers of peace. “Lord, this is the people that longs to
see your face.” says our Psalm today. This is the people that want to be saints.
The more I have thought about this, and the more years I’ve celebrated this feast, I have begun to see something more here than that individualistic sanctity promoted by the Litany of the Saints and our tradition of great stories about extra ordinary heroism and courage. I’ve come to conclusion that becoming a saint by alone is no big deal.
It’s easy to be holy by yourself. Anybody can probably pull off a good “saint” routine if left alone. What really is remarkable is becoming a saint in a community, in a family, in a relationship. Now that is tough. It’s a whole new proposition when we work to live graciously with a community of people practicing the disciplines of fidelity, mercy, forgiveness and blessing those who mess with your life. The most creditable miracle I see these days is a community of Christians who assemble regularly, know themselves as the body of Christ, and suffer with one another patiently, kindly, and gently.
Perhaps the real movement to holiness and sanctity in our lives comes from learning to live together in peace with other flawed people. After all sanctity is not an accumulation of merit like frequent flier miles on a credit card. It is gift that comes to us in Baptism lived, celebrated, and acknowledged in a holy communion of lives that nourish, support, and encourage each other to become what God has created us to be.