ALL SAINTS
When one hears the words All Saints, images of painted plaster statues placed on pedestals or icons of beautiful representations in gold may come to mind. We can be distracted by ideas of perfect virtue or supernatural holiness. It is good to remind ourselves that the saints started out as individuals who lived their lives in ordinary, worldly ways, sometimes as persons with temptations and vices which needed to be overcome. It is in their relationship with God that they become prayerful, disciplined, virtuous and holy – an example held up by the Church to inspire us to be likewise.
In my role as Faith Animator of my school board on Ash Wednesday I would offer a reflection to begin our Lenten observance. I would often ask the question “Who present here wants to be a saint?” There was often only one hand up in the whole group, mine. We are all called to be saints. As we grow in our relationship with Jesus, we are drawn to imitate him in living the Gospel, in loving the poor and in serving wholeheartedly. I admit somedays it is harder to keep our thoughts, feelings and desires in line with being as holy as Jesus was. However, I believe heaven’s hosts are cheering us on if we are willing to make the effort.
Francis of Assisi offered us a joyful vision of creation as Mother, Father, Sister and Brother.
Mother Teresa of Calcutta said “We are not called to do great things, but small things with great love.”
Carlo Acutis proved that a young person could use technology to inspire the world to take note of the miracles that happened around the world associated with the consecration of bread and wine at Mass.
Pope Francis reminds us that we have a call to holiness, each and everyone of us. No one is excluded. Let us take up the call to become saints for our world.
Gracious God,
You want us to follow in Jesus’ footsteps.
Our baptism calls us to be priest, prophet and sovereign
in the building your kingdom of peace and justice on earth.
Strengthen our belief and conviction that your love working through us
can accomplish this for your glory.
We ask this in Jesus’ name.
Amen.
Pat Carter, CSJ is a disciple, a teacher and an advocate for the poor. She has been a Sister of St. Joseph for more than half of her life and loves to use words to inspire faith and laughter. She is a cantor at her parish of St. Jerome’s in Sault Ste. Marie.
