ALL SAINTS (SOLEMNITY)

. . . a great multitude, which no one could count. 

Just think about all the saints who are in heaven right now, worshipping God as part of that great multitude described in the Book of Revelation! Of course, that group includes our “favorite” saints, whose names we took at Confirmation, whose writings and lives have inspired us, or to whom we turn with a particular need. But it also includes everyone who has entered eternal life with God, whether or not they have been canonized. It’s mind-boggling to consider just how many people that might be. After all, it’s been more than two thousand years since Jesus opened heaven’s gates!

On today’s feast of All Saints, we shouldn’t forget that we, too, were created to be part of that uncountable number. God has offered salvation to people from every nationality, race, and background. Together, that great multitude proclaims, “Salvation comes from our God” (Revelation 7:10).

Responding to that gift of salvation, day in and day out, is what made the saints holy. And it’s what prepares us to join the heavenly host. But it’s not easy. The saints in our first reading were faithful to Christ to the point of martyrdom, washing their robes in the “Blood of the Lamb” (Revelation 7:14). For our part, our response to God might be to turn from a deeply-rooted pattern of sin, to stay faithful when we’re tempted, or to give more of ourselves than we might think we can.

As St. Teresa of Calcutta said, “Holiness is not the luxury of a few, but a simple duty for you and me.” Let’s set our sights on that great multitude that cannot be counted. Let’s do everything we can to be faithful so that, with God’s grace, we can become saints!

“Almighty God, you have invited me to be part of the heavenly host. Help me respond to your invitation today and every day.”

Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14
Psalm 24:1-6
1 John 3:1-3
Matthew 5:1-12