Called to Be Saints*

Dear Parishioners,
Today we celebrate the Solemnity of All Saints. In the Book of Revelation, John sees “a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, people, and tongue.” Among them are countless ordinary people who loved God faithfully, perhaps our own grandparents and parents.
In today’s Gospel, Matthew 5:1-12a, Jesus goes up the mountain and gives us the Beatitudes. They are the portrait of a saint. Blessed are the poor in spirit, the meek, the merciful, the clean of heart, the peacemakers. He calls blessed those who depend on God, who mourn with others, who hunger for what is right, and who remain faithful even when persecuted.
St. John reminds us in the second reading, “See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God.” Holiness is our common vocation, received in Baptism. We become saints through small daily acts: patience at home, honesty at work, kindness to a stranger, faithfulness to prayer and the Sunday Eucharist.
Tomorrow, on All Souls Day, we will pray for our beloved dead. May the saints in heaven inspire us, and may we walk together on the way of the Beatitudes. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven!
Fr. Saji*
* Tentative draft – replace with Fr. Saji’s write-up.

