Reading
Solemnity of All SaintsRevelation 7:2-4,9-14; Psalm 24; 1John 3:1-3; Mathew 5:1-12a
Homily Theme
Washed in the Blood of the Lamb & Blessed
The early Christians referred to all those who were baptized and washed in the blood of the lamb as saints, and so they were. Many of them were destined to die a martyr’s death and even those who didn’t, were prepared to do so. They were certainly the blessed of whom Jesus speaks in Gospel. There are many such saints in our world today who live a virtuous life free from serious sin but we have also been blessed to live during the time of several Saints with a capital ‘S’. Pope John Paul II was so acclaimed at his funeral by the millions who attended it. We have also been blessed to have lived during the lives of Saint Padre Pio and Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta. So, why do we have this feast today of All Saints?
These are all those millions of people who have lived a blessed life and are not known by the general public but only by God; all those who died free of sin and are now reigning with Jesus in heaven. These are the saints with a small ‘s’ .Why does the Church make such a distinction between those who are the big Saints with a capital ‘S’ and those who are merely saints with a small ‘s’? In our world there are Halls of Fame for Sports of every kind. Academy Awards for movie actors, Oscars for other stars in the music world and Nobel Peace prizes. These are for people who were recognized as outstanding in their professions and were awarded honors to encourage others in the same field to follow their achievements. The Church also has a Hall of Fame for those Christians who were outstanding in their following of Christ and each of them have their own special feast day in the Church’s calendar. These are the canonized Saints internationally known throughout the world..
Today is the Feast day for all those little people who didn’t achieve international fame for Jesus but are saints none the less. They are all those Christians who have died in the love of Jesus and now have achieved eternal salvation and reign with Him forever. They are from every race and nation; from every class and profession. They are rich and poor, educated professionals and working class laborers, young and old. They had accepted the salvation offered by Jesus death on the cross. They are all the little people who loved God and tried to live a good Christian life. They are grandmothers, parents and loved ones in many of our families. We know them.
They are truly blessed and Washed in the Blood of the Lamb.
Today is their Feast Day.