What does it mean to be a saint?

To me, it depends on who is describing someone as a “Saint”

I’ve always thought that the Catholic requirement that a saint show compelling evidence of causing “miracles” suggested that saints were expected to be persons of such advanced consciousness that they sometimes override the properties of the physical universe. In this characteristic, they share the properties typically ascribed to Hindu yogi, or Neo in “The Matrix” for that matter (smile). The Church ascribes the effect to the moral goodness of the saint while I would be more inclined to believe that the moral goodness is another manifestation of the person’s spiritual evolvement.

I still think that the miraculous in this world is just an expression of higher natural laws. As our understanding of the nature of the universe grows, science continues to annex phenomena that were once the sole domain of the supernatural power of God in various faith communities.

Like Peter said it all depends on your interpretation of the word “Saint”. I however think there are saints that walk amongst us to. Providing miracles to people in need every moment in every day.

Miracles are gifts from heaven, but a miracle to someone else also being from heaven (the idea, the concept) of bringing a family need of a hot meal, helping a friend unselfishly revamp their store, giving to your company your time in order for them to stay afloat in this economy, helping a kid get his life turned around….there are so many definitions of miracles.

Does this make you a 'real' Saint? In the eyes of those you've helped it does!!!! Giving of your time for no other reason, the money, your gas……and not wanting nor expecting from it. Than YES you are a saint by all means.

We walk amongst the crowd like everyone else and when someone needs you, you know just what to do and not want a thing nor expect a thing from anyone.

love
Angel

I'll go with your definition, John! Clear and concise to me!

I agree, this is the best definition of saint, one that makes sense very much to me.  The consequence- that there are very many saints, we can all be if we desire to attain to a higher level of consciousness and living. 

I was attracted to this title because my mother often looks at me incredulously and says, “I have a daughter who is a saint.”  I reply, “thanks, mother superior.” I am also intrigued by the fact that this was posted on my birthday. I think my mom thinks I’m a saint because I love God immensely and feel that I know Him intimately.  I see the good in everyone but I do think that not everyone chooses to be good. I like to meditate and pray often. I think we can all be angels for each other, but in the traditional sense a saint is someone who devotes his or her life to God and then God gifts him or her with visions and the ability to create miracles for others sometimes posthumously.  I am sure that some people have been saints in past lives and are clearing the karma in this lifetime since we are on the edge of the golden age. But saints tend to eschew the world and retreat in order to contemplate the will of God and then become an instrument for His will.  One of my favorite books is “Love Poems from God: Twelve sacred voices from the east and west.” I feel and know these poems in my heart.