What is a Saint?

At my time at Strake, I often wonder about saints. Why are there not more people like Mother Teresa? Sure, they were good people, called to be holy and to spread God's glory. However, we speak of them as if our own actions are incomparable to their lives. In fact, every life was made to reflect God's grace on Earth. We are all called to holiness, even the heights of holiness.  Scripture even says so, "This is the will of God, your sanctification" (1 Thessalonians 4:3). The Legion of Mary explains what it means to be a saint:

The answer usually returned to this question is: one who does extraordinary penances and works miracles. Now, this is an incorrect description, for neither miracles nor great penances are essential. The man who works a miracle does not raise himself in God's eyes by it; and, while penance in some shape is necessary, still the teaching of the Saints on this difficult question is encouraging. Thus, there is another definition of what a Saint is. It is this: One who, with the object of pleasing God, does his ordinary duties extraordinarily well. Such a life may be lived out without a single wonder in it, arouse little notice, be soon forgotten, and yet be the life of one of God's dearest friends. . . . Every person that is born is called to be a Saint. Take it as most certain that you - no matter how unfitted your life may seem for holiness - are being given graces sufficient, if corresponded with, to bring you to sanctity. We have already seen that nothing beyond our strength is expected; neither is sanctity the exclusive property of any grade or manner of life. Among the Saints canonized by the Church are kings and beggars, and representatives of every trade, slaves, hermits, city people, mothers of families, invalids, soldiers, and persons of every race and color.

Our everyday lives reflect the glory of God. By accepting God into our lives we make the world a better place. "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call" (Ephesians 4:4).