How to imitate saints?

[mathematoons]

I keep hearing that we are supposed to imitate the saints. This has a solid foundation in Scripture (e.g. Philippians 3:17, 4:9), as well in the lives of the saints (such as St. Ignatius of Loyola). However, some of the things they did were because they were already saints, and some because they were priests, monks, and nuns. I, as the modern lay reader, am not sure which these are. The things they did because they were saints, I am too weak to do (I converted less than 5 years ago, so I’m not very far along); others are not applicable to my life as a layperson.

How do I know which things in the lives of the saints (and their books of instruction, for that matter) are applicable to my life? It is not obvious to me because I am a convert from atheism.

How do you imitate the saints? So far, the examples I have been able to follow (with God’s help) are to give up pagan books (and media) and replace them with Scripture, the Catechism, and pious Catholic books like St. Jerome, to memorize large sections of Scripture like St. Dominic, and to do St. Louis de Montfort’s total consecration to Mary like Pope St. John Paul II. But I have attempted many more imitations of saints and failed.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Casilda]

How do I know which things in the lives of the saints (and their books of instruction, for that matter) are applicable to my life? It is not obvious to me because I am a convert from atheism.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

It may take a lifetime of reading, here is a source of bios for many saints’ lives, Alban Butler’s The Lives of Saints.

sacred-texts.com/chr/lots/

A book I found helpful, everyday-saints.com. is about Eastern Orthodox Saints but there is a very gentle spirit of people living close to God. Little nuances you can add to your habits, prayer life, interaction with other people.

 

[tifischer]

I keep hearing that we are supposed to imitate the saints. This has a solid foundation in Scripture (e.g. Philippians 3:17, 4:9), as well in the lives of the saints (such as St. Ignatius of Loyola). However, some of the things they did were because they were already saints, and some because they were priests, monks, and nuns. I, as the modern lay reader, am not sure which these are. The things they did because they were saints, I am too weak to do (I converted less than 5 years ago, so I’m not very far along); others are not applicable to my life as a layperson.

How do I know which things in the lives of the saints (and their books of instruction, for that matter) are applicable to my life? It is not obvious to me because I am a convert from atheism.

How do you imitate the saints? So far, the examples I have been able to follow (with God’s help) are to give up pagan books (and media) and replace them with Scripture, the Catechism, and pious Catholic books like St. Jerome, to memorize large sections of Scripture like St. Dominic, and to do St. Louis de Montfort’s total consecration to Mary like Pope St. John Paul II. But I have attempted many more imitations of saints and failed.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Please know that you are doing great. You are doing better than me and I am on my 5 year mark also! I pray the rosary everyday. I use the scripture in my rosary so I do learn the who story from the Bible. I read the Bible everyday and go to mass or listen to the mass almost everyday and love adoration. Pray of listen to the Liturgy of the Hours every day. I love to fall asleep to the night prayers, because there are so beautiful.

It is helpful for you to find your charism too. Little Saint Thérèse of Lisieux was about little acts of kindness with great love. You seem the scholarly type so perhaps looking into the Lay Dominican 3rd Order maybe of interest to you because they focus on learning the faith, contemplative prayer, devotion to the Blessed Mother, justice ministries. The founder of the dominicans is St Dominic and St. Louis de Montfort was also a Third Order of the Dominicans.

However, above all pray as to what your charism is drawn to. I initially thought Dominican lay because I also enjoy reading, learning the faith, and praying the hours and the rosary. However, after much prayer I surprisingly find myself drawn to the Carmelite order. All that you do for the glory of God is good.

God bless you!

 

[petra22]

It sounds like you are doing great so far, much better than me and I’ve been Catholic all my life… except for a few years of wandering aimlessly…

But besides all the special things the saints did, the one thing they have in common–they loved God with all their heart, mind, soul and being. They wanted to be good, because God is good. They wanted to be with God more than anything.

I think we can all do that easily…

One of my favorite sayings–“HEAVEN–Don’t miss it for the WORLD!”

 

[Abba]

I keep hearing that we are supposed to imitate the saints. This has a solid foundation in Scripture (e.g. Philippians 3:17, 4:9), as well in the lives of the saints (such as St. Ignatius of Loyola). However, some of the things they did were because they were already saints, and some because they were priests, monks, and nuns. I, as the modern lay reader, am not sure which these are. The things they did because they were saints, I am too weak to do (I converted less than 5 years ago, so I’m not very far along); others are not applicable to my life as a layperson.

Hello mathematoons,

In my most humble personal opinion, it appears to me that you are limiting the definition of the word ‘imitate’ to the point of ‘copy.’ I think this is where your problem lies. We are not called to ‘copy’ what other people did who became saints. Another thing is that you are viewing the saints as having always been saints and not human beings (just like you and me) who obtained holiness - just like you and I can with the grace of God.

I think with the saints cherry picking is good. Pick what most applies to you in your personal and individual journey - like Paul said - they serve as ‘models’ but not to ‘copy’ at the loss of your person and your spiritual growth. Personally, I like reading very much the stories of the saints because they are inspiring and I often find things that I can apply to my own spiritual journey.

How do I know which things in the lives of the saints (and their books of instruction, for that matter) are applicable to my life? It is not obvious to me because I am a convert from atheism.

Not long ago, I read about a saint who was very promiscuous and even joined a pilgrimage to Jerusalem to have sex with some of the men. She attempted to enter the Holy Sepulchre Church and was stopped (spiritually) and from that moment decided to change her ways and became a penitent living out her live in isolation in the desert. It’s an extraordinary story. It does not apply to me nor do I see myself being a penitent. But, I found the story inspiring, beautiful and enriching.

I guess, one approach to determine what to take and not to take and get an idea of where you are; would be to start with the ten commandments. Which one is the one that you have the most challenge or abide to the least? Are you complying with the requirements of the Church, which ones give you the most difficulties? Are you loving God above all and if not, which are the things that interfere? Are you loving people as much as you love yourself? Try to pose to yourself questions like these to get an idea of what you would like to work with to clear the way for your spiritual growth.

Saint Benedict threw himself on a thorn bush to combat his sexual desires. His desires were something that were interfering with his spirituality and he wanted to overcome them. Personally, I do not have that particular problem so I would not copy him but, I can walk away from the story inspired by his determination. His determination can inspire me to be more determined to overcome what ever obstacle I am currently working on.

How do you imitate the saints? So far, the examples I have been able to follow (with God’s help) are to give up pagan books (and media) and replace them with Scripture, the Catechism, and pious Catholic books like St. Jerome, to memorize large sections of Scripture like St. Dominic, and to do St. Louis de Montfort’s total consecration to Mary like Pope St. John Paul II. But I have attempted many more imitations of saints and failed.

The Catechism helped me to get rid off a lot of luggage and not to do things I did not even know were sins. At first, it seems like we are ‘giving up’ some things but, then we come to recognize that in actuality we were freed from them. I say take it from where you are at personally and read the stories of the saints for inspiration and there will be times when one particular saint’s experience is the same or similar to yours and you can learn from how they handled it but ultimately how you are going to handle it personally is decision and evaluation that you make yourself.

Of course, it would be nice if you can speak with a spiritual director. Perhaps, you can speak with the priest at your parish and he can recommend one to you.

Hope this helps.

 

[Dorothy]

Mathematoons,

No two people in the entire world from its beginning are alike. That is why the saints are all different, with different gifts from the Lord to share with others.

The Lord gave you particular gifts and we need to use them to glorify Him. We all have a unique and different mission from one another.

When I read autobiographies and biographies of the saints I am aware that I cannot imitate them, but I am inspired by them.

For instance, in reading the life of St. Gemma Galgani, by her spiritual director, I know I cannot imitate the special gifts the Lord gave her, such as the stigmata, and very deep prayer.

But, I can imitate her focus on the Lord and always wanting to please Him. That inspires me.

We all have a different capacity for what the Lord desires to do in us; we just have to allow Him to do it!

Peace in Jesus and Mary,

Dorothy

 

[tifischer]

Another book that you may enjoy is The Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis

Blessings!

 

[mathematoons]

Hello mathematoons,

In my most humble personal opinion, it appears to me that you are limiting the definition of the word ‘imitate’ to the point of ‘copy.’ I think this is where your problem lies. We are not called to ‘copy’ what other people did who became saints. Another thing is that you are viewing the saints as having always been saints and not human beings (just like you and me) who obtained holiness - just like you and I can with the grace of God.

This helps. Thank you.

I think with the saints cherry picking is good. Pick what most applies to you in your personal and individual journey - like Paul said - they serve as ‘models’ but not to ‘copy’ at the loss of your person and your spiritual growth. Personally, I like reading very much the stories of the saints because they are inspiring and I often find things that I can apply to my own spiritual journey.

But how do you know which these are? I tried to detach from someone whom I still miss after many years (long story, don’t ask for details), thinking I could do so by a simple act of will like St. Teresa of Avila (she knew she could never fully belong to God until she detached from a relative, so she broke off the attachment simply by willing it). I failed. All I could do was pretend to myself that I had detached. I don’t know whether that was something specific to St. Teresa, or whether it’s just that I’m not a very good Christian. I’m afraid it’s the latter.

I guess, one approach to determine what to take and not to take and get an idea of where you are; would be to start with the ten commandments. Which one is the one that you have the most challenge or abide to the least? Are you complying with the requirements of the Church, which ones give you the most difficulties? Are you loving God above all and if not, which are the things that interfere? Are you loving people as much as you love yourself? Try to pose to yourself questions like these to get an idea of what you would like to work with to clear the way for your spiritual growth.

I know what my problems for spiritual growth are, it’s just that I can’t solve them no matter how hard I try.

The Catechism helped me to get rid off a lot of luggage and not to do things I did not even know were sins. At first, it seems like we are ‘giving up’ some things but, then we come to recognize that in actuality we were freed from them.

This is my experience too.

 

[Valentinus]

I know it can sound cheesy, but be yourself.

I have also had the problem of being in a way humilated (or humbled, perhaps?) by saints who practically gave up everything in order to be closer to God. On on hand, it is actually correct! As saints are to inspire us to be even holier. On the other hand, remember that God may have given you a different vocation. If you do not have a vocation for religious life, then you should not try to imitate the religious in every aspect. For instance, Thomas a Kempis advised to stay away from women. I somehow agree but as a lay person it is impossible! If you somehow feel that giving up all worldly matters is not right for you, it might mean that it is more profitable to actually utilize them in your way to sanctity. You may serve God in various ways, according to your strengths and interests (which were given to you by God, apparently for some good reason and purpose).

St. Therese of Lisieux is always helpful in those cases, as she did not strive to be a great saint - and finally became one! My advice is to read a bit about her Little Way.

First of all, be humble, ask God for strength and discernment, and always be ready to cooperate with Him.

Hope this helps.

God bless you, V.

 

[mh2007]

One way to determine how you can best imitate saints is to get to know their life stories. I would make it a point to read all about the lives of saints - one at a time. There you may find great inspiration. Maybe read about 1 each day, or one each week. It would be a great habit to develop, and most informative. You will absorb their stories, and soon you will find someone, or several that you feel that you can relate to, and might want to emulate.

 

[multitude]

The Catechism helped me to get rid off a lot of luggage and not to do things I did not even know were sins. At first, it seems like we are ‘giving up’ some things but, then we come to recognize that in actuality we were freed from them. I say take it from where you are at personally and read the stories of the saints for inspiration and there will be times when one particular saint’s experience is the same or similar to yours and you can learn from how they handled it but ultimately how you are going to handle it personally is decision and evaluation that you make yourself.

The CCC said something similar about freedom, that we become freer the more we practice what is actually right, what is actually good, and in this way, we break the bondage of sin. Sometimes, to others, observing and practicing the law seems almost Pharisaical, almost spiritually prideful or even vainglorious, but the real truth is that this is true freedom. The temptation to sin, whilst it still exists, starts to become more of a fading memory.

We all imitate people who have made it, though. I’ve never met anyone who hasn’t. May just be a case of trying too hard.

 

[eazyduzit]

Mathematoons,

No two people in the entire world from its beginning are alike. That is why the saints are all different, with different gifts from the Lord to share with others.

The Lord gave you particular gifts and we need to use them to glorify Him. We all have a unique and different mission from one another.

When I read autobiographies and biographies of the saints I am aware that I cannot imitate them, but I am inspired by them.

For instance, in reading the life of St. Gemma Galgani, by her spiritual director, I know I cannot imitate the special gifts the Lord gave her, such as the stigmata, and very deep prayer.

But, I can imitate her focus on the Lord and always wanting to please Him. That inspires me.

We all have a different capacity for what the Lord desires to do in us; we just have to allow Him to do it!

Peace in Jesus and Mary,

Dorothy

Solid advice Dorothy

What. I understand for certain is that God has a specific plan for everyone. Something that only you can do. Elisha learned from Elijah but there were different works for him to do.
Our example should be Jesus. He said" The works that I do,ye shall do also, and greater. " While no one has yet done the greater works, we should expect to do the same because He said so. The way Jesus operated was to be connected to and in the Presence of the Father at all times. He said." The son does nothing of himself, but only what He sees the Father doing.

Thus, my first job is to live in the Presence. of God. If you want to please God you must make this one step the priority of your life.

One saint who has some good advice on this is a 17th c French monk known as Brother Lawrence. There is a short text of his words recorded by a priest known as"The Practice of the Presence of God" . It can be read on line or heard on YouTube.

Grace to you

 

[Dorothy]

Solid advice Dorothy

What. I understand for certain is that God has a specific plan for everyone. Something that only you can do. Elisha learned from Elijah but there were different works for him to do.
Our example should be Jesus. He said" The works that I do,ye shall do also, and greater. " While no one has yet done the greater works, we should expect to do the same because He said so. The way Jesus operated was to be connected to and in the Presence of the Father at all times. He said." The son does nothing of himself, but only what He sees the Father doing.

Thus, my first job is to live in the Presence. of God. If you want to please God you must make this one step the priority of your life.

One saint who has some good advice on this is a 17th c French monk known as Brother Lawrence. There is a short text of his words recorded by a priest known as"The Practice of the Presence of God" . It can be read on line or heard on YouTube.

Grace to you

Grace to you as well!

Brother Lawrence’s book is very important. I need to remember that goal throughout the day…to live in the NOW with the Lord.

Thanks be to the Lord for all his gifts!

Peace,

Dorothy

 

[CRATUS]

I keep hearing that we are supposed to imitate the saints. This has a solid foundation in Scripture (e.g. Philippians 3:17, 4:9), as well in the lives of the saints (such as St. Ignatius of Loyola). However, some of the things they did were because they were already saints, and some because they were priests, monks, and nuns. I, as the modern lay reader, am not sure which these are. The things they did because they were saints, I am too weak to do (I converted less than 5 years ago, so I’m not very far along); others are not applicable to my life as a layperson.

How do I know which things in the lives of the saints (and their books of instruction, for that matter) are applicable to my life? It is not obvious to me because I am a convert from atheism.

How do you imitate the saints? So far, the examples I have been able to follow (with God’s help) are to give up pagan books (and media) and replace them with Scripture, the Catechism, and pious Catholic books like St. Jerome, to memorize large sections of Scripture like St. Dominic, and to do St. Louis de Montfort’s total consecration to Mary like Pope St. John Paul II. But I have attempted many more imitations of saints and failed.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Love God with all your heart. Love your neighbor as yourself. Do little acts of self-denial and self-sacrifice. Fight off the best of your sins.

 

[7_Sorrows]

Try to live a holy life.

 

[Exiled_Child]

I keep hearing that we are supposed to imitate the saints. This has a solid foundation in Scripture (e.g. Philippians 3:17, 4:9), as well in the lives of the saints (such as St. Ignatius of Loyola). However, some of the things they did were because they were already saints, and some because they were priests, monks, and nuns. I, as the modern lay reader, am not sure which these are. The things they did because they were saints, I am too weak to do (I converted less than 5 years ago, so I’m not very far along); others are not applicable to my life as a layperson.

How do I know which things in the lives of the saints (and their books of instruction, for that matter) are applicable to my life? It is not obvious to me because I am a convert from atheism.

How do you imitate the saints? So far, the examples I have been able to follow (with God’s help) are to give up pagan books (and media) and replace them with Scripture, the Catechism, and pious Catholic books like St. Jerome, to memorize large sections of Scripture like St. Dominic, and to do St. Louis de Montfort’s total consecration to Mary like Pope St. John Paul II. But I have attempted many more imitations of saints and failed.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Oh, mathematoons, I recommend you read Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. I believe it’s the book you’re looking for. Private message me if you want me to have a copy sent to you from The Institute of Carmelite Studies.

It’s a life changing book; I’d love to give you a copy.

icspublications.org/bookstore/lisieux/b_lisieux01.html