The Catholic love of Saints is well known, so it is with this in mind that I make my next “Catholic Bucket List” recommendation:
Bucket List Item #7: Read the life of a Saint
In the 2,000 year history of the Church there have been Christians who have lived lives of courageous virtue. These Christians have been both male and female. Some have been well educated, while others have not. They have come from every country, class, race and people. We call them the Saints.
We have had Saints who have been well-known Popes, others have been obscure. Some were monks, priests, monks, nuns, but others have been laity. Some have been mothers, fathers, husbands and wives. Some have lived to a great age and some died during chidlhood. All these people have been united in their love of Jesus Christ and lived lives as a testimony to His grace.
The lives of the Saints are generally not of much interest to many Protestant congregations. During my time attending Protestant congregations I don’t recall any historical figure prior to the 16th Century ever being mentioned. I did briefly attend an Evangelical congregation in London which had a “Heroes of Faith” section in their Sunday service which gave a little biography of some figure from Protestant history.
It is quite surprising, therefore, that I was introduced to the Saints by a Baptist minister. He had a great love for St. Francis of Assisi and made me watch the movie about his life, “Brother Son, Sister Moon”. Afterwards I got a small book about Francis’ life. I was greatly impressed. The question you often here asked in Christian circles is “What would Jesus do?”. As I read the life of St. Francis I regularly found the answer to that question as I found myself thinking “That’s such a Jesus thing to do!”.
So, I’d invite you to see what Jesus did through His Saints by fulfilling this bucket list item. Read the life of a Saint.
