The Simplest Way to Change the World

A Catholic reflection

Have you ever noticed the darkness of our times? Things you never thought could happen are already happening. Some of your worst fears may have already come true. Fears such as a global pandemic and the drastic climate change. Fears such as the loss of faith in many people.

Even when it comes to the Church, we have a crisis that needs an immediate solution.

How can we ever put off for tomorrow the many problems that plague believers and non-believers today?

So many people have been turned off by the Church’s sexual abuse scandal. We can’t evangelize now the way people did before. Today, the world has so many stereotypes in their minds when it comes to Catholicism.

As for the Church itself, it is becoming more and more divided. Some want to protect tradition while others want to preach more about God’s mercy and compassion.

Must we only choose one of these paths? Can’t there be a way to save the Church and thereby remain united in our effort to evangelize the world?

We have so many fears. And in many cases, these fears become the catalysts to our actions. Fear instead of wisdom and truth. Fear instead of justice and love.

In the midst of all the chaos, we forget the one thing that we could be doing, that one thing that can truly count.

We forget to strive for holiness. We look outside but fail to look within.

We have not set our eyes on being saints!

Why be a saint?

First of all, we need to be one if we ever desire to enter heaven. Only saints can enter in.

Secondly, there lies the key towards the changes we desire.

“Sanctify yourself and you will sanctify society.” - St. Francis Of Assisi

“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” - Matthew 5:14-16 (NRSVCE)

The World Needs Saints

What does the world need right now?
We need more saints who are not afraid,
saints who are not afraid to speak the truth
where truth is needed,
saints who are not afraid to give
even their very lives
for the sake of compassion
for those who are lost,
saints who will not be easily disheartened
with the evil that they see,
knowing that it is God
who will have the final say
and God’s will
shall always prevail.

What does the world need right now?
We need more saints who are merciful,
saints who will not so easily judge
or cast away or condemn,
saints who know about suffering
and who can honor the pain of those who hurt…
saints who can understand grief,
who can understand loss,
who know how it is to be empty
and poor and forgotten,
to be without love
just when you need it most.

What does the world need right now?
We need more saints who are humble,
saints who are not always concerned
about themselves,
for they know that God is
already concerned about them;
saints who know the truth,
who know their own misery and lowliness
before the perfection and purity of God;
saints who boast not of their own righteousness,
knowing that every good thing that they may have
comes from God only, comes only from His love.

What does the world need right now?
We need more saints who are lovers,
saints who are not only concerned
with fulfilling the commandments or avoiding sin,
saints who are more like Good Samaritans,
willing to go out of their way,
so they can help those in need;
saints who had a glimpse of God’s Face
and who bear His image
for all the world to see.

For this is indeed, what the world needs right now,
saints who have seen Him,
saints who will let Him live within them,
ready to give as He gives,
to live as He lives,
to love as He has always loved!

St. Catherine of Siena already told us the simplest thing we can do to change the world:

“Be who God meant you to be, and you will set the world on fire.”

Let’s not think that the task to make a difference in the world is impossible or too great for us. There is something we can do today.

By beginning with ourselves and fortifying our relationship with God, we can set the world ablaze.

“I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!”
- Luke 12:49 (NRSVCE)

“Dare to be glowing saints, in whose eyes and hearts the love of Christ beams and who thus bring light to the world.” – Pope Benedict XVI

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You may want to see her book To Love an Invisible God:

“Is it possible to love a God we cannot even see?”