I scanned my little icon of St. Seraphim of Sarov - shown here, which dates to the year of his canonization (1903) and was made at his monastery.
He is a favorite saint of mine whose feast falls on the birthday of little Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face. They are very much alike, since their spirituality was directed especially towards lay people and sinners in the world. They teach us that it is good to know we are imperfect and to remain so as long as the Holy Spirit is pleased to leave us there... and even to delight in it. How wonderful when everyone condemns you - your own conscience included - for then you are surely fitted to receive the mercy of God in abundance. It is very much like what St. Francis referred to as the 'perfect joy' - it is something the imperfect can actually know and experience.
To read about the Holy Father Seraphim and the acquisition of the Holy Spirit, click here.
Disclaimer: Remember, the feast day devils taunt us on and around the holy days - they try to make us fall: If you do, repent immediately and humble yourself and know Our Lord is not surprised. He is there for us. If you fall again, repent again. Our Lord is not surprised. Our Lord knows not to trust us, so don't pretend and try to trust yourself. Repent again and trust only in God's mercy and love that comes to us in Christ Jesus. Confidence and love. The devils hate it that we can keep trying and seek to dissuade us from doing so.
