All Saints
Today’s celebration gives us a glimpse of the heavenly life enjoyed by the countless men and women who put their trust in God in this life and are now singing his praises in heaven. They are rejoicing in the victory of Jesus, whose death and resurrection have saved them from death and brought them to share his glorious life.
“See what love the Father has bestowed on us” (1 John 3:1)! What is that love? It’s the gift of his only Son, making us all into children of God. It is the gift of his cross, made present to us by the Holy Spirit, that empowers us to know Jesus and to become more and more like him. It is the gift of knowing that, even as we rejoice in our redemption here on earth, a time will come when we are completely united with Christ—and reunited with all of our loved ones in heaven.
Think of the millions and millions of people who have walked the way of faith and are now enjoying the presence of God and the glory of their heavenly citizenship. Today’s feast is a celebration of their joy. It is also a celebration of the hope that we can know as we try our best to walk the same path that all these past believers have walked. It’s a day to be encouraged by their lives, so that we can “rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us” (Hebrews 12:1).
Don’t forget that all these holy ones are interceding for you before the throne of God! They know that we still struggle with sin and temptation. Even today, they are praying that we will come to enjoy the constant happiness that they are experiencing right now. So have faith. You are not alone! You are part of a large family—and one day, you’ll get to meet them all!
“Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, today we rejoice in the holy men and women of every time and place. May their prayers bring us your forgiveness and love.” (Opening Prayer, All Saints)
Revelation 7:2-4,9-14; Psalm 24:1-6; Matthew 5:1-12