The Solemnity of All Saints that we recently commemorated on 01 November is a great day to celebrate. It is a day that gives us an inspiration on how to live a most valued life. These saints are the friends of God. They were very much aware of God’s presence as their lives were captured by God’s teachings, humbly practised works of mercy and charity with great compassion, lived their lives with God’s wisdom and were always in communion with God.
… and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)
All of us are called to be holy as it is the universal calling. The saddest thing is that it might not happen in our lifetime if we do not strive for our sanctity, if we do not desire to be holy and if we do not want God in our life.
Saints are happy people because God is their ultimate goal in life. Happy because:
- they follow the Lord
- God is the inspiration in their lives
- even in the midst of tribulations they are courageous to live life to the fullest
- they recognize the Lord is enough
These holy people’s joy comes from their being deeply in love with God because what is in their hearts is only God’s love. They may experience difficulties in life, catastrophes, and problems. They feel much sorrow but they overcome these challenges because God is their strength and inspiration.
To be holy is a choice and these saints give us hope that our own lives may be lived in holiness. We know it is possible because it has been proven by their own lives which are centred in God. They teach us to be faithful and to live in God’s love throughout our lives. With the multitude of saints in heaven and on earth who are praising and worshipping God the Most High, we join them in glorifying God and rejoicing in Him.
We have also recently commemorated the souls of the faithful departed – especially our dead loved ones. We remember the good deeds they have done. We thank God that they were once a part of our lives and how they contributed to our own life’s story and growth as a person. This is particularly true with the members of our family from whom we have learned about God and how to live and love this life. We continue to pray that their souls may be lifted up to heaven and join in the company of the saints with God. The month of November is good to dedicate our daily prayers for all souls. We devote our prayers to them.
Main image courtesy of turnbacktogod
Daughters of Divine Zeal Vocations 