Word to the Wise
Friday, November 1, 2013 - Nov. 1 - All Saints
[Rev 7:2-4, 9-14; 1 John 3:1-3; Matt 5:1-12a]See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called children of God..... [1 John]
What makes a person a saint? Is it the official recognition or canonization by the church? No. Is it the ability to so miraculous things or have the stigmata or pray all day? No. Is it an abundance of good deeds? No. What is it? It is God's love! A person who embraces God's love and lives as if that is the only thing that matters is truly a saint! We are children of God because God loves us. That is why we are all called to be saints!
On All Saints Day we embrace God's love for an extraordinary diversity of characters in addition to ourselves. They are our heroes and examples and we can take comfort in their company as part of the great "Communion of Saints." If you have a particular devotion to one or other of the famous or less famous saints, take a moment today to acknowledge their example. Then we can realize that our own example may be celebrated on this day someday! AMEN