Solemnity of All
Saints
(Revelation 7:2-4.9-14; I John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12a)
Mr. Blue is the
story of a saint. The main character was
never canonized and, in truth, existed in the author’s, Myles Connolly’s, mind.
But there probably was a model on which
the story was based. In any case, Mr. Blue reminds readers of people in
their lives who practiced all the virtues, especially faith and love. These men and women may never have been recognized
universally as saints in part because one of the virtues they cherished was
humility. In today’s Feast of All Saints
the Church honors all such people.
They are indeed many.
The first reading from the Book of Revelation describes them as “a great multitude, which no one could count, from
every nation, race, people, and tongue.”
It is said that since the beginning of humanity there have lived one
hundred billion human beings. The really
good ones make up that “great multitude.”
The criteria for counting them as saints come from today’s gospel. Saints
are “poor in spirit,” “hunger and thirst for righteousness,” and strive to be “peacemakers.” In short, they are always ready to sacrifice
themselves for God’s sake.
We praise holy
women and men not just by recalling them today but by imitating their virtue
every day. We pray for the realization
of grace that assists the poor with their needs, speaks humbly and truthfully
at all times, and fulfills all responsibilities to society. Doing so will include us among the number who
are praised today.
