If I become a saint, will my life be more challenging?

Question

I enjoy reading about the lives of saints. But I have noticed how incredibly difficult their lives were. Let’s see, beheaded, stoned, imprisoned, burnt at the stake,shunned, scorned, crucified . . . and gee, I want to be just like them when I grown up (spiritually)! I don’t understand how a person who is on the verge of sainthood could still have such terrible karma. I’m not looking forward to this! Is this the final hazing before we get to join the fraternity of saints?

—Lynn Lloyd, USA

Answer

Dear Friend,

The sacrifices we see the saints make, they accept willingly, not in a spirit of mere resignation, but as the will of God. They are certainly working out karma, but in some cases helping out the karma of others.

Don’t be concerned for the future. “Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” The spiritual path makes us strong. What would destroy the spirit of most is handled with courage and faith by one who feels God’s presence and accepts “that which comes of itself.”

Honor the saints and follow their example in the challenges of your own daily life and you will have nothing to fear!

Blessings!
Nayaswami Hriman