Today we celebrate the Solemnity of All Saints.
There are three states which make up the Church: (1) Tomorrow we remember the Church Suffering which is made up of those souls in Purgatory who are need of our prayers, (2) Today we remember the Church Triumphant which is to say all those known and unknown by name who have been welcomed into Heavenly glory, and (3) The Church militant which is each of us here on earth who must strive for Heavenly glory.
We profess in the Apostles’ Creed, “I believe in…the communion of saints.” This statement is made in reference to the saints in Heaven, those in Purgatory, and those here on earth. It is together that we make up the body of Christ. Through this reality we receive the prayers of the saints, we assist those in Purgatory with our prayers, and we journey towards the Kingdom of Heaven by keeping our sight placed upon God.
As is stated in the Book of Hebrews, “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.” The saints are now in Heaven for they have won this race, the souls in Purgatory have been judged as worthy of Heaven for they have run this race, and we too must run this race that is now set before us like those saints who have now gone before us into Everlasting Life.
The prayers of the saints are important for each of us here on earth who strive to live good and holy lives. Sadly, there are some who see no importance in the prayers of the saints. They quote 1st Timothy, “There is one God, and one mediator of God and man, the man Christ Jesus.” This verse does not limit our ability to pray for one another nor does it limit the ability of the saints to pray for us. There is one mediator and that is Christ Jesus. All of these prayers are being offered onto Him
From Saint James we are told, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful.” What is true of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints is that they have entered into the Beatific Vision. This means that they are now in Heaven with God. None of us are yet in Heaven and so the saints hear our prayers and bring them before God. They are close to Him because of the life that they lived on this earth.
Let us continue to strive for Heaven that we may be numbered among these holy men and women of God who we now venerate. They show us that this path is one which is possible if only we are found willing to open our heart to God and His mercy. Let us each strive to be saints for we have been called to pursue the Kingdom of God above all things.
May all the saints of Heaven, pray for us.
