1.0.4: Happy All Saints Day!

I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no man could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb!”
He said to me, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

Revelation 7:9-10, 14

Today, the faithful celebrate all the Saints and saints who have gone before us, both known and unknown. We dedicate today to those who have already attained heaven. Practices vary throughout the world, some cultures decorating the graves of loved ones and others eating soul cakes or flying giant colorful kites at festivals. Something we share across cultures is the Mass. All Saints Day is a Holy Day of Obligation for Catholics. I attended a beautiful Mass this morning in the local chapel (what a wonderful way to start the day!), know of friends attending the noontime Mass, and still others planning to attend tonight.

Why is today a big deal?

The Saints and saints (whether canonized or not) provide guidance for us as we amble through our lives. Some of them were selected to play crucial roles for Holy Mother Church historically; all of them are actively cheering us on to join them. Before they crossed to the other side of the veil to join Christ in heaven, they lived their faith, helping the rest of us do the same, both in this life and in the next.

This doesn’t mean they were perfect; they were human, too. We needn’t look beyond our most well-known Saints Peter and Paul to know that. Peter denied Jesus thrice before the cock crowed on the first Good Friday and Paul was the Pharisee Saul who martyred Christians before his come-to-Jesus moment. The same Saints we ask for help struggled in life, falling into sin themselves.

This makes them excellent intercessors for our prayers: they struggled and fell, too, so they can empathize with us even in our unholiest of moments. If we ever feel too lowly to speak to Jesus, we can reach out to someone who fell and got back up. It’s kind of like offending one friend, then asking another for advice on how to right the situation. “What do I say? What do I do? When and how do I do it?” Even when we know all the answers, we sometimes want to run to a third party before making amends.

So, to answer the question, today is a big deal because the saints and Saints show us that getting to heaven is possible despite our sins. We struggle, yes; that is our role as saints militant – Catholics striving for heaven. More than this, today reminds us that those who have made it before us are available to act as intercessors; remember to ask them for help when you need it, because helping us in our Earthly struggle is part of their job description: saints help fellow saints.

I am going to Jerusalem with aid for the saints.

Romans 15:25

One of my favorites is Mother Teresa. Many know about her wonderful works to the poor, underserved communities. I find her most inspiring because of her repeated decision to continue serving the impoverished while enduring serious doubts about God. Her profound and repeated encounter with the dark night of the soul did not keep her from pressing on for the sake of those Jesus wanted her to reach on His behalf. Mother Teresa was a witness to Christ even when she felt nothingness, showing us – showing me – that conquering this struggle is possible.

Also among my favorites is Saint Michael: when I’m struggling with something, it’s the first rote prayer that comes to mind, so I cling to his sword in my battles to follow Christ. He often leads me to a song reminding me of who I am to God, reminding me that Jesus wants to hear from me directly, too. “My heart rejoices; with my song, I praise my God.”

How do you celebrate All Saints Day? Do you have a favorite Saint (or saint) that you pray to for help? (Perhaps a patron Saint?) Is there someone special you remember on All Saints Day? Whether it’s a simple, “Please help me through the day, Peppep,” or asking for the Virgin Mother’s guidance in a rosary, leave a comment; I’d love to hear about your favorite Saints and saints, what you talk with them about, and how you celebrate today.

Take this opportunity to reach out to a saint you feel called to connect with. This may be the start, or resurgence, of a beautiful relationship.

The Lord is my strength and my shield;
in him my heart trusts;
so I am helped, and my heart exults,
and with my song I give thanks to him.

Psalm 28:7

Music to Celebrate All Saints Day

• For All the Saints (Sine Nomine) – recording from Te Deum 2015 in Grand Rapids, MI
• Many and Great – Ricky Manalo, CSP – recording provided by Oregon Catholic Press
• Blessed Are They – David Haas
• Sing with All the Saints in Glory (Hymn to Joy) – performed by Dawn Slike
• The Summons (Kelvingrove) – performed by Robert Kochis
• Here I Am, Lord – Dan Schutte

A List of Yet More Options to Check Out