All Saints Day

saint
/saynt
noun 1 a person who is acknowledged as holy or virtuous and regarded in Christian faith as being in heaven after death.
2 a person of exalted virtue who is canonized by the Church after death and who may be the object of veneration and prayers for intercession. 3 (informal) a very virtuous person.

This is a picture of Saint Monica.  The Catholic Church recognizes her as the patron saint of married women and mothers.  Funny.  She looks pretty calm in this picture....could it be because neither her husband nor her children appear with her here?  Or could it be because she is letting the laundry go for the moment and is sitting quietly reading a favorite book.  Don't kid yourself, that's a shepherd's crook but she had no lambs...I'll bet she kept that St. Augustine in line with that very instrument.  If only she'd had a blog we'd know what she was thinking when she was forced to marry a cruel pagan man or when her son drifted into paganism, only later to come back to the church and eventually become a Saint himself.  She was probably a real cut up.

Today is the day that we celebrate all Christians who have gone before us to Heaven.  It's ironic to me that this celebration actually spawned last evening's festivities and yet gets relatively little hoopla.  Considering what so many Christians have done in order for us to have a better understanding of our own walk with Christ today is a great day for reflection. 

I personally will be thanking God for the life of Saint Paul (who I've always disliked immensely).  I always thought he was a bit of a misogynist. not. cool. dude. However, through the book of a friend and some intense scriptural study I've made my peace with Paul and his teachings.  I'm mature and intellectual like that.  what?  shut up.

Blessings to You on this day of All Saints.

Comments

[Lady by the Creek]

I find it ironic that my sister-in-law's name is Monica and right now she is not real saint-like, and is really struggling as a mother and wife. So on this All Saints Day I will ask for you to pray for her. She is a lovely soul who has lost her way. We all would like her to find her happiness and return to her family. And maybe even become the Saint Monica I know she can be. Thanks and God Bless.

[Devon]

What a great post!!

[Heather]

Great post! I think almost everyone struggles with Paul's writings. The truth hurts, and he doesn't beat around the bush!

I'm enjoying your blog and am making an effort to de-lurk. Have a blessed day!

[Rufus McCain]

Nice post. Thanks.