SEEING GOD, THE DESIRE OF THE SAINTS - 11/01/22 (Solemnity of All Saints)

Matthew 5:3–6

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they shall be satisfied... 

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110122.cfm

Blessed Solemnity of All Saints! Some of the saints whom we commemorate have their own feast days. For this day though, we remember all of the saints in heaven, not just those who are canonized or famous saints. There are many saints whom we may not know but truly live a life of holiness in their own lives. Also, all of the souls who are fully purified in the state of purgatory enter the Kingdom of God in heaven, and they are also saints. As we read in the gospel reading for today, Jesus spoke of the reward of heaven to those who were truly blessed. This is not just an abstract idea. This is a reality as seen in the lives of the saints. This is the reason why they are our models in life. Despite being opposed, they remained faithful to the teachings of Christ and the Catholic Church. Despite the sufferings, they placed their hope in Christ. What was the reason why the saints persevered in following God's will? It's because they knew that only God could satisfy the longing of their hearts. They desired to see God, and this was fully realized as they entered in His presence in heaven. Holiness is not just for the canonized saints. This is a path for all of us. Below this reflection, there is a link that provides a summary of the lives of the saints whom we remember throughout the year. And, there is also a link that gives some quotes of the saints. This may be helpful for us to be more inspired in following Christ and desiring to see Him in heaven. 

What are the saints doing in heaven? Heaven is not a "boring" place. The truth is that this is the happiest place because true happiness is found in seeing, praising and loving God forever. At the same time, the saints desire our salvation because they are fully conformed to God's will. And yet, we recognize how difficult it is to follow God. It is difficult to be patient with people who may cause our sufferings. It's difficult to pray when we are distracted by many things. This is why it's God's will that the saints pray for us in heaven. All of the saints are praying for us, and this is why we should constantly seek their intercession. Let's ask help from all of the saints. It is pleasing to God for us to depend on their prayers rather than just depend on our own strength because it is a sign of humility. It is also a sign that we recognize the family of God. We do not just believe in a personal relationship with God. We also believe in having a relationship with our whole family, including the saints in heaven. May we also be devoted to attending Mass. Because this is where Jesus, in His Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity, becomes present in the Sacrament of the Eucharist, we believe that all of the saints are with us in this Mass. Mass is where heaven meets the earth because where Jesus is, the saints are there.  Let's imitate the saints and ask help from them because God alone can satisfy the desires of our hearts. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Life of the Saints based on Liturgical Calendar:

https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/

Quotes of Saints:

https://mycatholic.life/inspiring-quotes/

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/