Just a thought about being saintlike

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I often read posts by members asking is “this” a sin or is “that” a sin. Discussion ranges from masturbation, to cohabitation, to “making out”, etc. Many people are looking for confirmation that what they are already doing is “ok” and they can continue to do it. (Not everyone, but I suspect this is often the case.)

I have heard that the goal of every Catholic should be to become “A Saint!” Of course, not every Saint will be canonized, but when someone goes to heaven they are a saint. Also, of course being Saintlike involves the imitation of Christ Himself.

So my thought is merely that if we are called to be Saints, we should avoid any activity that is un-saintlike! “Can I make out with my gf if we are not married?” Ok…would it have been ok for Jesus to make-out with Mary Magdalene as long as they didn’t go “all the way?” Because if it is not a sin, then why not?

“Can I cohabit with my fiancee? We promise not to have sex!” Well, would any of the great saints of history have done this? Would you have approved of Therese of Lisieux shacking up with some guy, just until she entered the convent? She promises not to have sex!

When you put these questions into the context of what Jesus and the Saints would have done they are clear.

We are called to be Saints. Please!!! Be Saintlike! Avoid anything that can even remotely conceived of as a sin!
 
I think you hit the nail on the head. But I would like to counter that the attitude has to go both ways. Not just for people to quit thinking in terms of “what can I get away with”, but also for others to quit judging them. This hyperawareness of rules and regulations sometimes makes me also look at someone and judge them when they intended no harm. Perhaps their dress is grossly immodest, but for me to assume that they are beeing purposefully unchaste and therefore sinning is not my place.

I needed to read this today, thanks! I’ve been so worried about my decisions being judged or interpreted as sinful that I’ve fallen into an attitude of legalism which Jesus warned against. Instead of focusing not on when I do fall short, I should focus on always trying for a holier attempt next time.
 
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