Today we celebrate All Saints’ Day, remembering the holy men and women who now live in the presence of God. Tomorrow, on All Souls’ Day, we pray for the faithful departed who are being purified before entering the fullness of heaven. These two celebrations remind us that our life on earth is a journey towards God. In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives us the Beatitudes, showing the blessedness of those who follow him. The saints have reached the happiness he promises, and their example encourages us to continue our journey. Sometimes we worry about our families, our health, and what tomorrow may bring. These days invite us to place our worries in the hands of Christ. Through his resurrection, he has opened for us a future greater than our fears. His love remains with us throughout our lives.
When we think about saints, we often remember the people whose statues stand in our churches. We know their names, celebrate their feast days, and ask for their prayers. However, today we also honour the countless saints whose names are known to God alone. Many lived ordinary lives, caring for families, earning their living, and helping their neighbours. Their holiness grew through simple acts of love. A mother caring patiently for her child, a worker refusing to be dishonest, or someone forgiving an old injury can follow the same path. God calls each one of us to holiness in the circumstances of our life. We do not need to wait for an extraordinary opportunity. Every day offers us a chance to love God by loving the people around us.
All Souls’ Day brings to mind those who once shared our lives and have now died. Some of us remember our parents, a husband or wife, a child, a friend, or someone who helped us during a difficult time. We may visit their graves, place flowers, or light a candle. These gestures express our affection, while our prayers entrust them to God’s mercy. We ask him to forgive their sins, complete their purification, and welcome them into heaven. Even after many years, their absence can still bring tears. Jesus understands this sorrow because he himself wept at the tomb of Lazarus. We can speak to him about our grief and offer Mass for our loved ones. Our prayer continues the love we shared with them during their life.
These celebrations also remind us that we belong to one family in Christ. We ask the saints in heaven to pray for us, and we pray for the departed who await the fullness of heavenly joy. Saint Thérèse of Lisieux said, “I want to spend my heaven in doing good on earth.” Her words help us understand that the saints remain concerned for us through their prayers. Saint Augustine, the great Church Father, expressed our longing for God: “You have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” We experience this when we wish that happiness could last or that we never had to say goodbye. God alone fulfils our deepest longing.
Remembering the saints and our departed loved ones should also help us live well today. We often postpone a visit, a word of thanks, or an apology because we think there will always be another opportunity. These days remind us to use the time God gives us with love and gratitude. Perhaps someone in our family needs encouragement, or a neighbour would welcome some company. Perhaps we need to return to prayer or receive the sacrament of reconciliation. Each step brings us closer to Christ. As we gather around this altar, let us entrust our future and our departed loved ones to him. May the saints accompany us through their prayers, until we too share the joy of God’s presence. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.
Fr. Mathew Charthakuzhiyil