The Saints as Mirrors of Christ

“…compared to most of us at least St. Francis is a most sublime approximation to his Master, and, even in being an intermediary and a reflection, is a splendid and yet a merciful Mirror of Christ.” -G.K. Chesterton, St. Francis of Assisi, 1923

This weekend the Church marks the 800 anniversary of the death (or transitus) of St. Francis from this life to the glory of heaven in 1226. Fittingly we also have a newfound reason to rejoice with the recent Beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen! These two occasions together cause us look with greater insistence into the bright faces of the saints who are the true mirrors of Christ, who reflect His manifold virtues and bring Christ’s light close enough that we may clearly see ourselves in the glow.

Although some protest that we should prefer a direct and un-mediated relationship with God, I have found it incredibly natural to draw close to the saints as intermediaries who come between us and the Lord. Far from being obstacles, they are bridges and helpers along the way to heaven. This doctrine of the Communion of Saints has many aspects, but it is truly one of the best helps contained in the whole treasury of Catholic truths to practically support us on the way. The Saints bring the love of God close and reveal that heroic virtue is possible, desirable and deeply fulfilling. They also bring our humanity closer to God and help us rise against gravity and proclivities to selfishness and the deadly sins that hold us back from reaching our potential.

Says the Catechism, quoting the Second Vatican Council: "It is not merely by the title of example that we cherish the memory of those in heaven; we seek, rather, that by this devotion to the exercise of fraternal charity the union of the whole Church in the Spirit may be strengthened. Exactly as Christian communion among our fellow pilgrims brings us closer to Christ, so our communion with the saints joins us to Christ, from whom as from its fountain and head issues all grace, and the life of the People of God itself ” (CCC 957, citing Lumen Gentium 50). I was truly blessed to head with a busload of pilgrims from the Twin Cities to St. Louis, MO for Bl. Fulton Sheen’s beatification. On the way we stopped through Peoria, IL for a visit to his tomb which is inside the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception. Fittingly it is the church where Fr. Sheen was ordained and where he had—years before as a young altar server—first encountered Bishop Spalding who mysteriously prophesied how his life would unfold. Along the way we encountered crowds of pilgrims eager to pray, receive the Sacraments, see the beautiful and historic sites, learn more about the newest Blessed of the Church, share their stories, meet new friends and bear witness to the world.

I met many young people with Fulton as a first or middle name, enthusiastic at the lifting up of their holy namesake as a heavenly intercessor. The saints lead us to Christ! The lives of the saints are mirrors of Christ that reflect Him to a longing world. Speaking of that, Discovering Christ begins this Tuesday evening, October 6 . It is not too late for you and a guest to join! Let’s come together for this four-week opportunity to foster community and connection that we may come to know the face of the Lord more deeply together. I’m praying that we all have the courage to seek Him anew!

--Fr. Howe