Solemnity of All Saints
Saints have always been revered by the Catholic Church. Recognition of someone who led a good and virtuous life would start in the area where the person lived. By word-of-mouth, his or her reputation might expand and draw people from far-off lands on pilgrimage. By the ninth century, Pope Gregory IV formally established November 1st as All Saints Day, on which all saints, known or unknown, are honored.
What does it take to become a saint? The reading from 1 John at Mass today reminds us that we are already God’s children. The fulfillment of being a child of God is begun now by imitating Christ. The Beatitudes in the Gospel of Matthew describe what may endure by imitating Christ (“Blessed are . . .). But the book of Revelation reminds us that the elect (the Saints) are even now before God praying that those on earth will persevere to the end.
Reflection by Br. Jacob Kubajak, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections