This weekend the church around the world celebrates the Feast of All Saints. This particular commemoration of saints probably began in Ireland in the early Middle Ages and spread from there to England and then Europe. Unlike the celebrations of particular Saints or Holy People (like the Feast of St. James or the Blessed Virgin Mary) or events in salvation history (like Christmas, Easter, or Pentecost), All Saints has a broadness that invites us to open our imaginations to encompass the millions of men, women, and children who have lived faithfully in the world before us. Those who have gone on "to their reward" enjoy everlasting peace and closeness to God--in that sense their life continues with God, and so does our relationship with those whom we love, but see no longer. But their joy is not perfected until "All God's friends have answered the invitation of Christ and arrived at the banquet of glory" (to quote Fr. Stephen Reynold's book _For All the Saints_).
In the Letter to the Hebrews the author (probably not Paul), argues that the Holy figures of the Old Testament died in the hope of the promise that is only fulfilled with the coming of Jesus. They abide with God awaiting the perfection that can only come when we have joined with them in the mystical communion of Christ. The yearning of the Saints for the consummation of the world's redemption is also recorded in Revelation, where the Bible tells us that they ask continually, "how long?" (Revelation 6:10).
Nor are the Saints alone in their desire to be reunited us with us in God's Kingdom. "Calling the saints to mind inspires, or rather arouses in us, above all else, a longing to enjoy their company, so is desirable in itself. We long to share in the citizenship of heaven, to dwell with the spirits of the blessed, to join the assembly of the patriarchs, the ranks of the prophets, the council of apostles, the great host of martyrs, the noble company of confessors, and the choir of virgins. In short, we long to be united in happiness with all the saints" (St. Bernard of Clairvaux).
We celebrate All Saints because it reveals the deepest truths about the interconnection of all people of hope through time and space and proclaims the promise of that sweet union's perfection.
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:1a).
O Almighty God, who hast knit together thine elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of thy Son Christ our Lord: Grant us grace so to follow thy blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those ineffable joys which thou hast prepared for those who unfeignedly love thee; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who with thee and the Holy Spirit liveth and reigneth, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.-Tay
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