To Be a Saint: Do Everything Because You Love God

There's a common thread among the Saints. In all their walks of life, different personalities, and varied paths: They did what they did for love of God. 

Some became hermits and ventured into a life of solitude and prayer. Others served the poor. Others served the sick. Others were doctors of the Church. Others taught and established religious communities. Some were mothers or fathers. Some were missionaries.

Their common denominator was a deep, penetrating love of God. Their "why" was what mattered.

What is your "why"? 

I was thinking about why I do what I do the other day. Why do I say the rosary, even if I get painfully distracted during it? Why do I pray morning and evening prayer of Liturgy of the Hours, even when I find it repetitive? Why do I go to Mass? Why do I volunteer and do service in addition to a full time job? Why do I seek to know God's will and follow it?

Why do I do these things even though some of them aren't easy for me or don't give me the consolation I'd like from them? Why do I do these things when I could be doing something else or following my own way and will?

In years past, the answer to those questions may have been because I thought they were the right thing to do or because someone asked me to do them.

Now, my actions seem to be moving from a different intention. I see that I increasingly do them not for any of those reasons, but because I love God. I know these actions please Him. I know my actions demonstrate my love more than words could. My actions are a sign of my love and commitment.

I think that our intentions are a sign of the state of our soul. Our "why" matters even more than what we do because above all, God wants us to love Him.

So ask yourself: Why do you do what you do with regard to your faith? And pray for the grace to do everything you do for the love and glory of God.