All Saints & All Souls


Today we gather in the spirit of two profound commemorations: All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. These holy days invite us into a time of reflection and remembrance, not just for the saints who have shone brightly in their faith, but for all souls—loved ones who have gone before us, shaping who we are and drawing us closer to God.

In Revelation, John speaks of a "great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb" (Revelation 7:9). This vision is a breathtaking reminder that the body of Christ spans across time and space, uniting all believers. The saints we celebrate are part of this vast company—a "cloud of witnesses" (Hebrews 12:1) cheering us on as we continue our faith journeys. These saints are not just figures in history. They are real people, with flaws and failings, who nonetheless devoted their lives to God. People like St. Francis, who showed us humility; St. Teresa, who taught us compassion; or St. Augustine, who revealed the grace of repentance. Their legacy is not in their perfection but in their perseverance, and their willingness to follow God in the face of hardship and loss. They remind us that sainthood is not about achievement; it is about surrender, humility, and faith. We remember that we, too, are called to be saints—not perfect, but striving, leaning on God’s grace to reflect Christ’s light to the world.

All Souls' Day, which follows All Saints', extends the circle even wider. It is a day to remember all those who have died, known or unknown, saints or sinners, because, in God’s eyes, each one of us is beloved. In John's gospel, Jesus tells us that "all those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away" (John 6:37). This is a message of great hope: Jesus will not turn anyone away. God's mercy is wide enough for every soul, even those who struggled with faith, those who wandered, and those who carried burdens that we might not even understand. As we hold these souls in prayer, we trust in God's compassionate love, which stretches beyond our comprehension. We can take comfort in knowing that God's love accompanies our loved ones, even as we journey in this life.

On All Saints' Day, the church often reads the Beatitudes. This teaching of Jesus presents a radically different view of holiness—not as an exalted state but as a way of life rooted in humility, mercy, and a hunger for righteousness. “Blessed are the poor in spirit… blessed are those who mourn… blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:3-9). These words remind us that the saints of God are often the most unlikely among us: the brokenhearted, the humble, the seekers of justice. In this way, the Beatitudes serve as a blueprint for all of us, inviting us to reflect God’s love and compassion in our own lives. And as we walk this path, we are joined by the saints and all the faithful departed, united by our hope in Christ. As we remember those who have gone before us, there is sorrow, but there is also hope. Jesus promised us, “This is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them at the last day" (John 6:39). In Christ, death is not the end; it is a transformation. Our loved ones, and indeed all the faithful, are held securely in God's hands, awaiting the fullness of resurrection. So, let us not lose heart. Let us hold onto this hope as we remember the saints who have inspired us, and the souls we have loved. May we live as they lived: guided by God’s love, longing to reflect His grace, and trusting in the promise of eternal life.

As we celebrate these two holy days, may we be encouraged by the legacy of faith that surrounds us. We are part of a communion that stretches across time and eternity. We are not alone on this journey. The saints and souls who have gone before us, those who walk with us today, and those who will come after us—all of us are bound together in Christ. May we, in turn, live as saints-in-the-making, giving thanks for those who have shown us the way, praying for those who continue in the fullness of God’s love, and looking forward to the day when all will be gathered together before the throne of God. Amen.

 

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