A Communion of Saints
In today’s Gospel reading, we encounter Jesus calling Peter and Andrew, James and John to come after Him. The call is simple, and yet each one of these individuals becomes radically changed by their initial encounter with Jesus. Did they know that this moment would be one of many turning points in their lives until one day they would become saints?
What is one quality that all saints have in common regardless of their backgrounds? They all point to Christ. Saints are missionary disciples who have a burning apostolic zeal to share the love and mercy of Jesus Christ. As Christians, we are all called to be missionary disciples, and the saints who have gone before us, like Peter, Andrew, James, and John, show us the way. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. When we choose to follow Him, we are filled with complete joy.
Last weekend after the 9:30am Mass, I hosted the first meeting for the All Saints Club, a title that represents saints past, present, and future (you and me too) who help one another to live happy, healthy, and holy lives centered on Christ. Our gathering focused on my encounter with Mary, the Mother of God, who has been instrumental in revealing her son Jesus to me, as well as impacting countless others throughout the world. I clearly remember the day of my initial introduction to her. I was preparing to move to Germany where I would live for one year, maybe longer. Before I left the States, I went to say good-bye to a friend, whose mother was visiting. When the mother learned I was headed to Germany, she became very excited and whipped out an image of the Blessed Mother holding the child Jesus. She exclaimed, “Melissa, you must go to the Schoenstatt shrine in Vallendar. You will love it!”
The word, “Schoenstatt”, means beautiful place, and I learned that this shrine is the home of an international movement within the Catholic Church founded by Fr. Joseph Kentenich on October 18, 1914. I sheepishly took the image from her and thought to myself that maybe I’d go. But it took several months of struggle, heartbreak, and loneliness for me to finally arrive at this place of Marian pilgrimage. When I arrived there in January, my heart was as cold as the winter’s air. I felt unlovable and broken. Somehow, Mary knew what I needed. She sent three Schoenstatt sisters my way who were like angels and took me under their wings. They taught me about how Mary helps, educates, and guides us to become better followers of Christ, in other words, to be everyday saints. They comforted me in my distress. And they encouraged me to seek healing from the Master Physician by spending lots of time before the Eucharist in the shrine.
This process led to my making the Covenant of Love with Mary, Mother Thrice Admirable, Queen and Victress of Schoenstatt on March 25, 2008. The Covenant of Love is a consecration prayer that brings about a deeper relationship with Mary. There are a variety of consecration prayers to Mary that are approved by the Catholic Church, including the Schoenstatt Covenant of Love and the more commonly known prayer of St. Louis de Monfort. Consecration prayers are for everyone, whether you’re a priest, a nun, or a lay person.
When I made my Covenant of Love, I became a new woman. I instantly felt freed from heartache and was filled with joy. And I believed with my whole heart, and still do, that I am a beloved daughter of the King.
I would love to tell you that I’ve been a great saint ever since then. My journey continues to have its ups and downs. But no child of Mary shall ever perish. She takes perfect care of her children. And when we falter from the path, she has a way of always leading us back to Christ. The saints are often the friends we need when life gets difficult, to call us back and remind us who is really waiting for us every day. And they’re our friends who encourage us to stay the course.
The beauty of a saint’s journey is that Jesus meets us in small and simple ways. He is calling each of us to say yes, to take the first step towards Him. Sometimes we can make that step today, and sometimes we need the helping hand of the saints. How are you going to answer God’s call today?
Join us for the next All Saints Club meeting on February 12th at 10:30am.