Magic Dust vs. Genuine Sainthood
From the outside some people appear to lead charmed or heroic lives. It can be enticing to think that if we can just get close to them, maybe some of their magic dust might rub off on us. Such superstition is usually harmless when it is treated as such, but when we succumb to the temptation to substitute it for the substance of faith - the nurturing of genuine relationship with God and devotion to loving our neighbors as ourselves - we trade something of great value for a cheap illusion. In this sermon Fr. Garrett contrasts the caricature of saints with practices that help us more closely align our own lives to theirs. Sainthood is not a lofty title or reputation to try to rub up against for personal benefit, rather it is the final verdict of a long life of accumulated devotions and loving actions that can be chosen by anyone.