The brutal truth about holiness

You admire the saints.

Maybe you’ve read about St. Francis of Assisi, who stripped himself naked in the town square, renouncing his wealth for a life of radical poverty.

Or St. Teresa of Ávila, who endured severe illness and visions of God while being scrutinized by the Inquisition.

Perhaps you’ve heard of the Desert Fathers, who lived in the wilderness on barely anything but prayer and locusts.

And yet, here you are.

Still struggling. Still entangled in the mundane. Still caught between the world and the call.

So let’s be brutally honest: why aren’t you a saint yet?

1. You’re Comfortable

Ever heard of St. Ignatius of Loyola? Before he became a saint, he was a knight obsessed with worldly honor and glory. He wanted to be a legendary warrior. But then a cannonball shattered his leg.

God had to literally break him to get his attention.

While recovering, he had nothing to read except The Life of Christ and stories of saints. That was when he realized—he had wasted his life chasing shadows. His pain became his awakening. He gave up everything and started a life of radical spiritual discipline, founding the Jesuits, one of the most powerful missionary orders in history.

Most people never become saints because they refuse to be broken.

We avoid pain, suffering, and sacrifice at all costs. We pray for comfort, security, and success—but saints pray for transformation, no matter the cost.

So ask yourself: What are you clinging to? What comforts are keeping you from holiness?

2. You Love Your Will More Than God’s Will

St. Mary of Egypt was a prostitute. Not just any prostitute—she was so addicted to pleasure that she seduced men for the thrill, not even for money. One day, out of curiosity, she tried to enter a church in Jerusalem.

She couldn’t.

An invisible force stopped her at the door. Again and again, she tried. That was when she realized—it was her sin blocking her. She broke down in tears, repented on the spot, and ran into the desert, where she lived for nearly 50 years in total solitude, battling the demons of her past and growing in intimacy with God.

You see, Mary of Egypt could have resisted. She could have justified herself, excused her past, and walked away. But she didn’t.

She surrendered.

Most people never become saints because they refuse to fully surrender their will. They still hold onto their preferences, their ambitions, their grudges, their own way of doing things. But saints let go. They let God have total control.

So ask yourself:

Are you still running your own life, or have you truly surrendered?

3. You’re Not Ruthless with Sin

St. Benedict of Nursia was once tempted with lust so strongly that he did something unthinkable—he threw himself into a thorn bush, rolling in it until his body was bleeding, just to kill the desire. Extreme? Maybe. But that’s why he became a saint, and most people don’t.

Saints don’t negotiate with sin. They don’t rationalize it. They don’t “work on it” slowly over time while still entertaining it in secret. They kill it. Immediately.

If you’re still coddling sinful habits, still making excuses, still compromising—you will never be a saint.

So ask yourself:

What sins are you allowing to live in you? How far are you willing to go to cut them out?

4. You Fear People More Than You Fear God

St. John Chrysostom was one of the greatest preachers of all time. His name literally means “Golden Mouth.” But you know what happened to him?

He was exiled. Twice.

Why? Because he refused to water down the truth. He called out corruption, immorality, and lukewarm Christianity—even when it meant standing alone. The Empress hated him. The Church authorities betrayed him. He died in exile. But today, the Church calls him a saint.

Most people will never be saints because they are too afraid of what others will think. They dilute the truth. They stay silent when they should speak. They compromise to fit in. But saints don’t care. They live for an audience of One.

So ask yourself:

Do you fear God enough to stand alone?

5. You Haven’t Reached the Point of No Return

There’s a moment in every saint’s life when they realize: there’s no turning back.

For St. Francis, it was the moment he stripped off his clothes and walked away from his father’s wealth.
For St. Paul, it was the moment he was blinded on the road to Damascus.
For St. Augustine, it was the moment he finally surrendered his desires and prayed, “Take and read,” leading him to Scripture.
For St. Joan of Arc, it was the moment she put on armor and led an army at 17 years old, knowing it would cost her everything.

Saints don’t leave themselves an escape route.

They don’t have a backup plan. They don’t “try” holiness—they commit to it completely.

So ask yourself:

Have you truly decided, once and for all, that you will be a saint? Or are you still leaving the door open for an easier life?

Meditative Challenge

Tonight, take some time in absolute silence. No phone. No distractions. Just you and God.

Ask Him:

1. What comforts are holding me back from holiness?
2. What sins am I still tolerating?
3. Where have I refused to surrender?
4. Who am I afraid of offending by living fully for God?
5. Have I truly reached the point of no return?

Then listen. Really listen.

If He shows you something—act on it immediately. Saints don’t delay.

The path is open. Walk it.