A Sinner and a Saint✍️

In our Values Education or Christian Living class during my time in a Catholic school in elementary and high school, we discussed saints such as Madre Ignacia Del Espiritu, St. Rose of Lima, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Augustine, Pedro Calungsod, San Lorenzo Ruiz, and many others. They are declared saints based on religious "holiness" criteria. These martyrs fulfilled the requirements set down by the Church to be recognized as such, a process known as canonization, so they were officially granted the title of saint.

After converting to Christianity in 2017, I learned I am also considered a saint. A messed up woman like me, far from being pure and countless times giving in to the temptations of anger or impatience, is a saint?! How can that be?

"For all have sinned, and fell short of the glory of God."—Romans 3:23.

Let us remember the story of Paul, once known as Saul. He is the most anti-Christian person and murders the followers of Christ. He was a sinner to that extreme, a notorious Christian killer! But when Jesus talked to him on the road to Damascus, after which he had been blinded for three days, he trusted in Jesus. Since then, his perspective and life have shifted. He is no longer the same evil person. He became sanctified, set apart from the crowd because he chose to be a disciple of Christ, and is recognized as a saint.

I used to think that the only people deserving of a mark of piety were those who lived exemplary lives as martyrs. However, the Bible makes it clear that saints are just regular individuals who choose to make Christ the center of their everyday lives.
- To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi...-Philippians 1:1
- As for the saints who are on the earth...- Psalm 16:3
- to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints...-Romans 1:7
- he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda.-Acts 9:32
- To the saints/God's holy people who are in Ephesus - Ephesians 1:1

Hence, I was called a saint when I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior and believed in His atoning work on the cross.

Let me frame it this way to help you see it more clearly. My piano-playing abilities are limited since I only use one hand when playing. I am no match for any competent pianist. But, even if I am not a skilled pianist, and if I join a group that contains at least one exceptional pianist, such as Ludwig Van Beethoven, because of my association with a famous musician, I am already regarded as an extraordinary pianist. And becoming a saint in Christ is like that. God no longer sees our sins when He looks at us, instead, He sees our confidence in His Son. We became sinless rather than a sinner. Recall that Abraham was seen as morally upright because of his obedience to God, which he demonstrated by offering HIM his son Isaac. In the same way, if we acknowledge CHRIST and listen to HIS Word as we conform to God The Father's demand to us in Matthew 17:5- This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; LISTEN TO HIM."  then we are taken in as righteous and holy.

"SAINT in Christ" is a spiritual title we can never acquire or obtain via hardwork. It is a gift from above, an inheritance, grace of God. What should we do in return for this favor? Be appreciative. Thank God for bestowing to us that faith in His Son Jesus, who qualifies us to be called HIS chosen ones.

What is now the essence of being labeled as a saint in Christ? It is the fact that even if the world regards us as sinners, its pointless now since God has declared us guiltless in His very eyes. And that is what counts most in our lives now, that God thought well of us since ultimately, it will be between God and ourselves, not us and others.

Saint Lia🫰  What a 🎵 to my 👂. Thank you, Lord🙏