“If they could do it, why not I?” — St. Augustine
I came across this quote a few days ago in an old missal, introducing the Solemnity of All Saints.
Indeed, that is precisely the will of our Heavenly Father. Did not Jesus address us with the bold exhortation to be perfect, as our Father in heaven is perfect (Matthew 5:48)? Let us not forget that this is our calling: to live eternally with the angels and saints in the presence of God.
Why should we not reach the place where our brothers and sisters await us, watch over us, and help us in every way possible? That is what we all desire, is it not?
So why should we not attain it?
If we humbly say, “I am not worthy,” the Lord will answer, “I will make you worthy.” If we say, “I am too weak,” the Lord will respond, “I will lift you up again and again and be your strength.” When we tell Him, “How often I forget You!” the Holy Spirit assures us, “I will remind you.” When we say, “I am not yet capable of truly loving,” the Lord says to us, “Ask for a new heart.”
Do we believe that all the saints were already perfect during their earthly lives? Let us ask them! They will undoubtedly answer: “Never! The Lord sustained us. If we were able to cooperate in His work, it was only because He gave us the strength to do so.”
We, too, can attain holiness. The Lord wills it! All we have to do is dare to embark on the path of trust and respond to God’s love. Remember that our Heavenly Father assures us in His message to Mother Eugenia that anyone who sincerely invokes Him by the name “Father,” even once, will not be condemned.
In conclusion, Augustine, you are right! And you reached your aim! Why shouldn’t we attain it too?