Introduction
Have you ever wondered what it truly means to be “made in the image and likeness of God”? Or what awaits us in the fullness of eternal life? The Catholic Church offers two profound concepts that shed light on these questions: deification and becoming a saint.
While often used interchangeably, these terms hold distinct meanings and offer unique insights into the transformative power of God’s grace. In this article I look at the rich tapestry of Catholic teaching, exploring the journey of becoming God-like through deification and the ultimate fulfillment of our human destiny in sainthood. Discover how these concepts intertwine, offering a glimpse into the glorious future that awaits those who embrace the love and grace of God.
Discussion
Both deification and becoming a saint are central to Catholic teaching on salvation and the ultimate destiny of humanity. They are intimately related, yet distinct in their emphasis. Here’s an explanation of each, along with key citations:
Deification
- Definition: Deification, also known as divinization or theosis, is the process of becoming God-like, participating in the divine nature through grace. It’s based on the understanding that God created humanity in His image and likeness (Genesis 1:27) and desires to share His divine life with us.
- Scriptural Basis:
- 2 Peter 1:4: “Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”
- John 17:22: “The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one.”
- Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
- Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC):
- CCC 460: “The Word became flesh to make us ‘partakers of the divine nature’: ‘For this is why the Word became man, and the Son of God became the Son of Man: so that man, by entering into communion with the Word and thus receiving divine sonship, might become a son of God.'” (citing St. Irenaeus)
- Other Church Documents:
- Second Vatican Council, Lumen Gentium 40: “For by His incarnation the Son of God has united Himself in some fashion with every man.”
Becoming a Saint
- Definition: In Catholic teaching, all those in heaven are considered saints. Sainthood is the state of being in full communion with God, enjoying the beatific vision and participating in His eternal glory. It’s the ultimate fulfillment of human destiny, achieved through God’s grace and cooperation with His will.
- Scriptural Basis:
- Matthew 5:48: “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
- Hebrews 12:14: “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”
- Revelation 7:9: “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.”
- Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC):
- CCC 825: “The Church . . . recognizes that in the course of the centuries, there have been men and women who have given shining witness to the Gospel and who, through the grace of God, have led an exemplary life. In order to foster the Christian life, the Church proposes them to the faithful as examples and intercessors.”
- Other Church Documents:
- Second Vatican Council, Lumen Gentium 50: “All the faithful of Christ of whatever rank or status, are called to the fullness of the Christian life and to the perfection of charity.”
Comparison and Contrast
- Similarities:
- Both deification and sainthood are gifts of God’s grace, freely given to humanity.
- Both involve a transformation of the human person, becoming more like God in holiness and love.
- Both are oriented towards eternal life and full communion with God in heaven.
- Differences:
- Emphasis: Deification emphasizes the process of becoming God-like, participating in the divine nature. Sainthood emphasizes the state of being in full communion with God in heaven.
- Scope: Deification can begin in this life through grace. Sainthood is fully realized in the afterlife.
- Recognition: The Church officially recognizes certain individuals as “saints” through canonization, while deification is a universal call for all Christians.
In essence, deification is the journey, and sainthood is the destination. Deification is the ongoing process of becoming more like God, while sainthood is the fulfillment of that process in the fullness of eternal life. Both are essential aspects of the Catholic understanding of salvation and the ultimate destiny of humanity.
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post