Word to the Wise
Thursday, November 1, 2007 - Solemnity of All Saints (delayed by web problem)
[Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14; 1 John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12A]Beloved, we are God's children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed. We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope based on him makes himself pure, as he is pure.
Pope John Paul II is the grand champion "canonizer" of all time! He named more people and a greater variety of people to the "official" sainthood than any of his predecessors going way back in total. The old expression is "raised to the altar." We Dominicans received our share. I think he added more than a hundred to our calendar - some in groups. And he wasn't shy about putting somebody "on the fast track" if he wanted that particular kind of person in the "pantheon." To me this large number demonstrates an important truth - real holiness is not as rare as some would make it be! We are all called to be holy and close to God. We are not all called to be "saints." After all, that designation is like being rewarded with a medal for being a hero in battle. It depends on others noticing what you do! Yes, we need heroes and role models, but we aren't all going to be heroes and role models. But we CAN all aspire to personal holiness and feel good about it on All Saints' Day! If holiness is limited to canonized saints, we are in BIG trouble. I am constantly inspired by the personal holiness of close friends. Their example gives me the energy and motivation to do a better effort. I once asked a student what he thought God expected of him. His response, which I have never forgotten, was: Stay close! All Saints' Day is a reminder to us all in regard to God. The secret is to stay close. AMEN