Question:
Answer:
The word “saint” refers to one who is holy, deriving from the Latin “sanctus.” And to grow in holiness means to increasingly become more like God, which requires radical childlikeness, the antithesis of pride (Matt. 18:1-3; 19:13-15).
“Saint” is used to refer God’s disciples in both the Old Testament (e.g., 2 Chron. 6:41; Ps. 16:3) and New Testament (e.g., Matt. 27:52; Heb. 13:24).
From these examples, we see that “saint” is used equivocally, i.e., for the saints on earth (Church) and also those in heaven (Church Triumphant). There are also the saints in Purgatory, i.e., the Church Suffering (see 1 Cor. 3:10-15).
So all of God’s disciples are called to be saints and, with God’s indispensable help, we hope and pray we will one day attain the purified perfection of those reigning with God in heaven.
For more information, see our tracts on “Praying to the Saints” and “The Intercession of the Saints.”