The Role of the Saints

The saints are presented to believers as role models whose lives are worthy to be imitated.

Heb 6:12

... so that you may not become sluggish, but imitators of those who, through faith and patience, are inheriting the promises.

Heb 12:1

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us

1 Cor 11:1

Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

Phil 3:17

Join with others in being imitators of me, brothers, and observe those who thus conduct themselves according to the model you have in us.

Council of Vatican II, On the Church, No. 50,

For when we look at the lives of those who have faithfully followed Christ, we are inspired with a new reason for seeking the city which is to come (Heb 13:14; 11:10). At the same time we are shown a most safe path by which ... we will be able to arrive at perfect union with Christ, that is holiness. In the lives of those who shared in our humanity and yet were transformed into especially successfully images of Christ (2 Cor 3:18), God vividly manifests to men his presence and his face. He speaks to us in them, and gives us a sign of his kingdom, to which we are powerfully drawn, surrounded as we are by so many witnesses (Heb 12:1), and having such an argument for the truth of the gospel.

Last Updated: January 3, 1997