Theme: All Saints
READINGS: Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14 / 1 John 3:1-3/ Matthew 5:1-12
All Saints Day
“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 in front of the Lamb” (Rev 7:9).
Thus, the Saints in Heaven are countless. Today the Church rejoices with this victorious and joyful faithful of the Lord. The vision of John describes the victory and joy of the Saints thus: “they were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands” (Rev 7:9).
Their victory was made possible by the power of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Hence, John writes: “these are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” (Rev 7:1).
The victory and joy of the heavenly Saints could be likened to the success and joy of students at a graduation ceremony. As their success was preceded by the hard work of learning and studying, so the Saints, by the grace of God, made efforts to preserve in their faith. They strove to be poor in spirit, just, meek, merciful, peacemakers, and to endure trials or persecutions (cf. the beatitudes in Matthew 5:1-12).
As students who witness the joyful graduation of their seniors are inspired to work hard towards their own graduation, so we who celebrate the joyful victory of all the Saints should be inspired to work with God’s grace for the future inclusion in the saintly throng of Heaven. Therefore, beloved, like the Saints, let us strive to be poor in spirit, just in our ways, meek of heart, merciful to all and peacemakers. In addition, may we remain ever steadfast in our faith in the face of trials or persecutions.
Finally, let our prayer be: “when the saints go marching in, O Lord, I want to be in that number.” Amen!
By Very Rev. Fr. John Louis
