Dear Friends,
We begin a new month this weekend. We are nearing the end of 2025! November 1st is the feast of All Saints. Because it falls on a Saturday this year it is not designated as a Holy Day of Obligation.
Nonetheless, every day of life from God is a Holy Day for each of us. It is good for us to remember and reflect on the Saints.
Many are well known and infamous like Catherine of Siena, Francis of Assisi, Peter and Paul, John Fisher, Ignatius of Loyola, Thomas Aquinas and those who are special in your own journey of faith. Let us not forget one of our latest canonized saints, Carlos Acutis, who is an inspiration to our young people and people of all ages. If you are not familiar with him, google him and be inspired.
There are many Saints that are known only to us. They may be our parents, a brother or sister, or a dear friend. They are someone we have recognized by the life and faith they lived, and fall into the category of what we believe a Saint is!
Who are these Saints in your heart and soul?
The Gospel for All Saints is the very familiar passage from the Gospel of Matthew, The Beatitudes. Many people choose this Gospel passage in celebrating their beloved’s funeral mass. I would like to share with you a reflection on this passage that I came across in my prayer.
“The powerful promises Jesus makes can get lost in the poetry of the Beatitudes. Think for a moment what it means to be comforted, satisfied, shown mercy, called children of God, to inherit, to see God. The first half of each Beatitude is a challenge to be sure. Each one could be the fruit of the slow steady work of a lifetime of prayer and practice. The second half, though, invites us to fall on our knees in gratitude. Who might we become, if we allow ourselves to be held so close to the heart of God that we know these things in our bones? Learning to accept this incredible love and mercy may just be the secret of the saints.’
Let us celebrate these beloved individuals and continue to strive to be among them one day in the Kingdom of our Lord!
Blessings to all,
Fr. Rob