Walking with the Saints to Reach Christ!

November 1, Wednesday, Solemnity of All Saints
Daily Readings: Revelation 7:2-4,9-14; 1 John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12

As we celebrate the Solemnity of All Saints, we are invited to honor and imitate their witnessing to Christ. Their sacrifices laid the foundation for Christianity to take root and wings.

For instance, we cannot forget the heroism of a missionary like St. Damien, who volunteered to work among the lepers on Molokai, an island of death. His love for the castaway overwhelmed his fear. He has been engaged in a tireless mission on the island since the day of his arrival.

Every Sunday, Fr. Damien would begin his homily with these words: ‘You lepers know that God loves you.’ This went on for years. Finally, on one Sunday, Father Damien began his homily, saying: ‘We lepers know that God loves us.’ Yes indeed! Father Damien had contracted leprosy. Yet nothing deterred his ministry of love until his death in 1889.

A sacrifice, when uncalled for, is truly noble. Fr. Damien’s altruistic initiative to serve the dreaded humanity is a heroic witness to the Christian faith.

The saints leave us with some important lessons as we engage ourselves in the discipleship of Christ.

First, they help us imitate Christ. When discouraged, we look to the saints to resemble Christ better. Like us, they endured life's challenges but remained faithful.

Second, they teach faith-based vision. Visuals might be daunting, so looking with physical eyes doesn't help with the imitation of Christ. What was terrible becomes meaningful through faith.

Third, they demonstrate that only the cross leads to eternal life. They know something we don't. God's grace helps them see their future splendor. Being confident of eternal recompense, they inspire hope in those in despair, doubt, and frustration.

Let's pray that the saints' example will encourage us to travel the same path they did to reach Christ.