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| Relics of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque |
"These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress;
they have washed their robes
and made them white in the Blood of the Lamb."
Revelation 7:14
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…This, then, is the meaning of today's Solemnity: looking at the shining example of the Saints to reawaken within us the great longing to be like them; happy to live near God, in his light, in the great family of God's friends. Being a Saint means living close to God, to live in his family. And this is the vocation of us all, vigorously reaffirmed by the Second Vatican Council and solemnly proposed today for our attention.
But how can we become holy, friends of God? We can first give a negative answer to this question: to be a Saint requires neither extraordinary actions or works nor the possession of exceptional charisms. Then comes the positive reply: it is necessary first of all to listen to Jesus and then to follow him without losing heart when faced by difficulties. "If anyone serves me", he warns us, "he must follow me; and where I am, there shall my servant be also; if any one serves me, the Father will honour him" (John 12: 26).
Like the grain of wheat buried in the earth, those who trust him and love him sincerely accept dying to themselves. Indeed, he knows that whoever seeks to keep his life for himself loses it, and whoever gives himself, loses himself, and in this very way finds life (cf. John 12: 24-25).
The Church's experience shows that every form of holiness, even if it follows different paths, always passes through the Way of the Cross, the way of self-denial. The Saints' biographies describe men and women who, docile to the divine plan, sometimes faced unspeakable trials and suffering, persecution and martyrdom. They persevered in their commitment: "they... have come out of the great tribulation", one reads in Revelation, "they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb" (Revelation 7: 14). Their names are written in the book of life (cf. Revelation 20: 12) and Heaven is their eternal dwelling-place.
The example of the Saints encourages us to follow in their same footsteps and to experience the joy of those who trust in God….
His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI
Homily, 1 November 2006
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2011-11-01 Vatican Radio
During his Angelus on Tuesday, Pope Benedict said “the Feast of All Saints is a good time to lift our gaze from the realities of the world… to the enormity of God, who encompasses all eternity and holiness. “
He said holiness is the vocation of all the baptized, and all the people of God are called to be saints.
The Pope then turned his thoughts to Wednesday’s commemoration of All Souls.
“From the early days of the Christian faith,” he said, “the Church on earth, recognizing the communion of the whole mystical body of Jesus Christ, has with great respect honored the memory of the dead and offered prayers for them.”
The Pope said “our prayers for the dead are not only useful, but necessary.”
The Holy Father reminded the faithful to keep the bonds of affection with our loved ones who have died, not only through prayer, but also through actions like visiting cemeteries.
He said this reminds us all that we are meant for another life after death.
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| Venerating the Relics of Saint Margaret Mary |
The Relics of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, from Paray-le-Monial, France, have been on visitation to the USA, the past few days in the Diocese of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, beginning at the parish which bears her name. Only God could have arranged the simple, yet amazing, circumstances which brought together people from varied countries, sharing their faith, that ultimately led to the organization and fulfillment of this visit. The relics arrived in the midst of an unusual, unseasonal blizzard which enhanced the wonder of encountering this saint who draws us into the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
May we look to the examples of the saints, the friends of Jesus, and follow in their footsteps. May we listen to Jesus, confide in Him, trust in Him, and believe in His love for us without losing heart when faced with difficulties. Saints of God, come to our aid!
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