Why We Love to Wear Images of Saints
Towards the end of the Bible, the Holy Scriptures encourages us: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us…” —Hebrews 12:1. Who is that “cloud of witnesses,” except the saints — the many men and women who were fully human and real sinners, just like us, but who generously gave what God asked of them, accepted what He gave, and so fulfilled His dream for their lives? If they did it, you can do it too. Let this bracelet remind you of that every single day.
The saints depicted in these medals come from ancient times, medieval times, and modern times. They are men and women, young and old, uneducated and highly educated. They suffered and sorrowed, regretted and rejoiced, lamented and laughed, just like you do every day. They were not born saints. They were born sinners, just like us. But Jesus knocked on the door of their hearts, and somehow, they found the courage to open that door and let him in. When they saw his smile, they knew they had made the right choice. Their friendship with the Lord caused some of them to be estranged from family members. It caused others of them to give up abundant riches and honors in this world. But they always received more than they were asked to sacrifice because God can never be outdone in generosity.
Do not be afraid to follow in their footsteps. Do not be afraid to say “Yes” whenever the Lord comes knocking at the door of your heart. Do not be afraid to take the road less traveled if it is the road that will keep your hand in Christ’s hand and your shoulder next to His. Make it your personal project to learn a little bit more about one of these saints every week: St. John Paul II, St. Bernadette, St. Claire, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Benedict, St. John XXIII, St. Padre Pio, St. Anthony of Padua, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Get to know them. Let their witness of God’s goodness, faithfulness, and power be a secret source of joy and endurance for you. Touch their medals. Remember that what binds them all together is God’s own blessing on their lives, symbolized by the Benedictine cross in the center of the bracelet. That blessing is just as much for us as it was for them if only we, like them, “keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith.” —Hebrews 12:2.