Feast of All Saints

Why are we obligated to come to Mass on All Saints day? The church, in her infinite wisdom obliges us to come to Mass on this feast day because of the importance of recognizing all the saints, not just those canonized. We come to recognize all who have journeyed through life on a path of holiness.

Today, the church desires that we unite ourselves with all those men, women and children who lived their lives loving Jesus following the Gospels he preached.

The Second Vatican Council reminded all Catholic Christians of the most important vocation in life, namely, a universal call to holiness. By our Baptism, whether a priest, religious, or lay person we are all called to holiness.

Perhaps some of the greatest saints or role models we find worthy of imitation have never been canonized, but non the less, they are saints. They might be our parents, our relatives, our teachers, our friends, our parish priests and our co-workers.

Today, in remembering them, we are reminded to live holy lives. We are all called to a deep, abiding relationship with Jesus Christ no matter what form of life we choose. Holiness is really the perfection of faith, hope, and sharing in God’s very nature, which is love.

Is perfection possible? Probably impossible, but that is what makes the journey most interesting. We shouldn't kid ourselves into believing that the saints are made of smooth, carved out marble without imperfections that we see on grand high pedestals. They were ordinary people, who had faults and made mistakes. Some suffered with illnesses and tragedies, others gave their lives for Christ. But at one point in their lives, they all had a desire to be holy. Once they said yes, God's grace did all the rest.

St. Matthew tells us that the path to holiness does not begin when we reach the other side of life. We are blessed now if we strive to live according to the beatitudes. The blessedness is not only a promise of tomorrow, but a reality of today.

God’s grace is within us now. Jesus wants us to live the beatitudes in this life.

Jesus wants us to be poor in spirit, meek, humble, merciful and peacemakers. The beatitudes need to be incorporated in our lives so we too, one day, can share the kingdom of heaven with all the saints and praise God in glory for ever.

Every time we celebrate the liturgy, heaven and earth are united. The liturgy is a foretaste of what we will share with the saints in heaven.

Leon Bloy, a French Catholic writer, once said “the only tragedy in life is not to become a saint.” Holiness is about realizing our deepest, greatest potential, becoming who we were truly destined to be. What a shame it would be to miss it.

Mother Angelica said it a bit more succintly," We are all called to be saints, don't miss the opportunity!"

("Communion of Saints" tapestry depicted above is taken from the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels in Los Angeles)