Feast of All Saints

 Feast of All Saints November 01, 2024

Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14; 1 John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12a

(image courtesy: Google)

We all must have heard the story of a little boy who wanted to meet God. He knew it would be a long journey. So one day he got up early, packed his bag with some biscuits, chocolates and soft drinks, and set out on his journey without telling anyone. He had walked a short distance and reached a garden and found an old woman sitting quietly and feeding pigeons. The boy went and sat next to her and kept watching her action.  Then he felt hungry and took out a biscuit and was about to eat. But he looked at the old woman and shared some with her. She willingly accepted it and gave him a bright smile. He too smiled.  He shared his chocolates and drink and each time she gave him a smile better than previous one.  They shared no word with each other. Evening approached and the boy was tired and wanted to return home.  He had but taken a few steps, he turned back and gave a hug to the old woman who hugged in return giving the biggest smile ever. The boy reached home and the mother asked him why he looked so happy. The boy said: “Mom I had lunch with God today.”  Before she could say anything he added, “Look mom, she had the most beautiful smile I have ever seen.”  The Old Woman too reached home and her son asked her why she looked so happy. She responded saying, “Look son I had lunch with God today and I did not know he was so young.”

Today, we gather to celebrate the Feast of All Saints, a day that invites us to reflect on the lives of those who have gone before us in faith. This solemn occasion is not merely a remembrance of the saints, but a profound opportunity to contemplate our own call to holiness and the universal call to sanctity that the Church proclaims.

The saints are not just figures of the past; they are our companions on the journey of faith. They come from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and eras, yet they share a common thread: their unwavering commitment to God and their exemplary lives of virtue. Each saint has a unique story, a distinct path to holiness, and today we honour them all, known and unknown, who have lived out their faith in extraordinary ways.

The Call to Holiness

The Second Vatican Council, in its document "Lumen Gentium," reminds us that the call to holiness is universal. It is not reserved for a select few but is a vocation for every baptized Christian. As we reflect on the lives of the saints, we are reminded that holiness is attainable. The saints were ordinary people who responded to God’s grace in extraordinary ways. They faced trials, temptations, and tribulations, yet they persevered in their faith. Their lives encourage us to embrace our own call to holiness, reminding us that we, too, can be instruments of God’s love in the world.

The Communion of Saints

On this feast day, we also celebrate the communion of saints, a profound mystery that connects us with those who have gone before us. The saints intercede for us, offering their prayers and support as we navigate our own spiritual journeys. This communion transcends time and space, reminding us that we are part of a larger family of faith. When we pray to the saints, we are not merely invoking their memory; we are engaging in a relationship with them, asking for their intercession and guidance.

In our modern world, where individualism often reigns, the communion of saints invites us to recognize our interconnectedness. We are not alone in our struggles; we are part of a community that spans the ages. The saints remind us that we are called to support one another in our pursuit of holiness, to lift each other up in prayer, and to encourage one another in our faith.

Living the Beatitudes

The Gospel reading for today, presents the Beatitudes, which serve as a blueprint for Christian living. Jesus outlines the characteristics of those who are blessed: the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, and those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. These qualities reflect the heart of the saints. They lived out the Beatitudes in their lives, embodying the values of the Kingdom of God.

As we reflect on the Beatitudes, we are challenged to examine our own lives. Are we living in a way that reflects these values? Are we poor in spirit, recognizing our dependence on God? Do we mourn for the brokenness in our world and seek to bring healing? Are we meek, exercising humility and gentleness in our interactions with others? The saints show us that living the Beatitudes is not just an ideal; it is a way of life that leads to true happiness and fulfilment.

Let us consider a few examples of saints whose lives exemplify the Beatitudes. Saint Francis of Assisi, known for his love of creation and simplicity, embodied the spirit of poverty and humility. He recognized that true wealth comes not from material possessions but from a deep relationship with God and a love for all creation.

Saint Teresa of Calcutta, known for her tireless work with the poor and marginalized, exemplified the Beatitude of mercy. She saw Christ in every person she served, reminding us that our call to holiness is intimately connected to our service to others.

Saint Maximilian Kolbe, who gave his life for another in a concentration camp, demonstrated the ultimate act of love and sacrifice. His life challenges us to consider how we can lay down our lives for others in our daily lives.

These saints, among countless others, inspire us to live out our faith with courage and conviction. They remind us that holiness is not about perfection but about a sincere desire to follow Christ and serve others.

As we celebrate the Feast of All Saints, let us reflect on our own response to the call to holiness. What steps can we take to grow in our faith? How can we cultivate a deeper relationship with God and with one another? The saints remind us that holiness is a journey, one that requires commitment, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace God’s grace.

Let us also remember that we are not called to be saints in isolation. We are part of a community, the Church, which supports us in our journey. Through the sacraments, prayer, and fellowship, we are strengthened in our pursuit of holiness. Let us take advantage of these gifts and encourage one another to grow in faith.

As we celebrate the Feast of All Saints, let us be inspired by the lives of the saints who have gone before us. May their examples encourage us to embrace our own call to holiness and to live out the Beatitudes in our daily lives. The story of that little boy could be a particle way for us all. Let us remember that we are part of the communion of saints, united in our journey toward God. May we strive to be saints in our own right, reflecting the love of Christ to the world around us.

Happy Feast