Saints are “Friends of God”
I had a vision of a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, people, and tongue. They stood before the throne and before the Lamb, wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice: "Salvation comes from our God, who is seated on the throne, and from the Lamb." (Revelation 7:9)
On this day, we remember all the men, women, and children who followed Christ faithfully and heroically during their lives and who now enjoy the presence of God in heaven.
Some saints have been singled out for their own feast day. The Church offers their witness of heroic, joyful lives for Jesus. But there aren’t enough days of the year to fit all the countless saints who walked through this life witnessing to Jesus.
Some kept close to the Lord all their lives. Others found him along the way. Some led good lives without major difficulties. Others made big mistakes, but found the Lord on the road of repentance and genuine sorrow.
They made it! And we ask them to intercede for us so that we will live holy lives, too, and reach our heavenly homeland. We celebrate their journey that led to eternal happiness with God. We celebrate our own family members, relatives, neighbors, and friends whom we believe to be in heaven.
Today we can rejoice in our hearts with all the saints in heaven. We can speak to them, thanking them for the witness of their lives. We can thank them, too, for helping us overcome our difficulties and temptations. Let’s ask them to help us on our own journey through life. (iMissal)
The LORD appeared to Abram and said: I am God the Almighty. Walk in my presence and be blameless. (Genesis 17:1) If this same invitation were offered to you today, how would you respond to it?
Dear God, thank you for the example of the Saints. I desire to join in their company, worshiping you forever in Heaven. Please help me follow their footsteps, and yours, Jesus Christ. Please help me to conform myself to Your image, seeking Your will in all things, as the Saints did. Please help me to devote myself, and all that I do, to Your glory, and to the service of my neighbors. Amen. (Prayer for All Saints Day)
O Blessed Mother Mary, Queen of All Saints, intercede for us all. Hail Mary full of Grace…
Peace in Christ,
Father Vincent-Vuong Nguyen
P.S.
PLEASE DON’T FORGET! November 1st, The Feast of All Saints is a Holy Day of Obligation. This means that, as Catholic, we are obliged to attend Mass today. Here is the Mass schedule: 8:30 a.m. (followed by the Saint parade) and 6:30 p.m.
I invite everyone, young and old, to come to Mass dressed up as your favorite saint! Looking forward to seeing y'all!