COMMUNION OF SAINTS! YOU ARE IN THAT NUMBER

On All Saints Day, November 1, surprise a friend or spouse by greeting them with “happy feast day!” You will be right on target!

          “The Communion of Saints is more than Saint Francis and the rest of the canonized saints, and more than your dear old dead Aunt Haddie and all the faithful departed. Want to know who’s in that number? Start by looking in the mirror!” Sister Elizabeth Johnson C.S.J.

          Communion of saints is a rich Christian symbol that speaks of profound relationship—crossing boundaries of culture and geography, even of death. It implies connection between the living and the dead who have found new life in God’s mercy. It also proclaims companionship among God’s people— “all who have been brushed with the fire of divine holiness and give witness to it in their lives.” (E. Johnson)
          Some speak of mortal saints (that’s us) and immortal saints—all who have entered through death into the fullness of God. Of course, immortal saints include those officially canonized by the Church— whose faithful witness and surrender to God are honored in the Christian tradition.. But the liturgy of the Word on All Saints Day evokes a much more inclusive image. It speaks of a huge heavenly crowd ”which on one could count from every nation, race, people and tongue” (Rev. 7:9). It includes all those anonymous millions who were touched by the fire of the Spirit—ordinary people from everyday life who did small things with great love and faithfulness.
          This “cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1) –canonized and un-canonized--are not so much advocates or mediators pleading our cause before a stern judge. Rather they are our heavenly friends encouraging us, rooting for us, and challenging us to complete the work they had begun…knowing that all is gift from God.
          Despite our sinfulness, we are saints because we belong to the community of God’s people ---baptized into Christ and united with one another as the Body of Christ. At the banquet of Eucharist we eat of the one bread and drink of the one cup—as one people united in God. Beginning with Saint Paul, “saints or the “holy ones” has been a time honored way of referring to members of the Church. This does not, however, imply exclusion of others.
          Understanding these three words—communion of saints-- can sow seeds of deep spiritual growth! They tell us who we are in the power of God’s love—a holy people created in the image of God who is holy. Perhaps our striving is not so much about a scale of sanctity as it is about becoming who we already are—saintly people on a conversion journey into the mystery of God’s empowering love at work in our lives.
          Yes, All Saints is our feast day too---all of us splendid nobodies—because the Spirit of God is pulling us to forgiveness and mercy, to peace and justice, to compassion and solidarity. And we are saying yes—no matter how incremental the steps.
          God is forever forgiving and patient. We are His beloved.