November 1, 2019

Solemnity of All Saints

If They Could, Why Not Me?

Msgr. Thomas Gervasio

The Solemnity of All Saints directs our thoughts and prayers to heaven as we honor not only those saints whom the Church has officially granted the title of saint, but all those, far more numerous who after a faith-filled life on earth have come to enjoy the glory, the peace, the joy of being the presence of God for all eternity.
 
The Church summons us to gather in celebration, it designates today as a ‘holy day of obligation’ in order to impress on us the very goal of our life. Our goal is heaven and holiness is the way to heaven. The saints are models of faith. Their lives inspire us. As we read their lives, we see how they put the teaching of Our Lord into practice. What can learn by looking at the lives of the saints?
 
One of the first things we discover is that saints are from every age, place, and condition. We easily think of popes, bishops, priests, and sisters. But many more saints are husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, young and old, poor and wealthy, doctors, nurses, lawyers, athletes, teachers, students, shopkeepers, farmers, brewers and wine makers, architects, soldiers, scientists, kings and queens, some were quiet and reserved, others excitable and noisy.... well, you get the idea.
 
Another discovery we make is that saints are not angels. They are not perfect. Like you and I, they were flesh and blood. They were tempted. They struggled with sin, they complained. Some were cranky. Others lost their temper, some suffered from addictions of alcohol and gambling. So many were misunderstood, they were often mocked and bullied.
 
In the end what made them worthy of heaven, what made them saints was the fact that they were convinced that God’s grace would help them overcome their struggles; would give them the strength to pick themselves up and try again. They did not lose hope. How many people today, lose hope because they cannot see any light in dark times; they cannot imagine that they could be strong enough to carry on.
 
The saints give us that hope. On this feast day we might say, they are saying to us...if holiness and heaven are possible for me...they are possible for you. How? Loving the Mass, going to Confession often, praying every day, reading the Gospels, living the Beatitudes and practicing the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.
 
Today let’s turn to these heroes and heroines of Christian life. Let’s get to know them better. They should not be strangers to us but our friends. Let’s turn to them in our struggles and in our needs. They stand before God’s throne and our own prayers are stronger when we have their help. Let us carry them in our hearts so that we might never lose heart, never become discouraged but be always hope-filled.