CELEBRATE THE SAINTS
In just a few days, we will celebrate the Feast of All Saints on 1st November, a significant event in the Christian liturgical calendar. This feast has deep historical origins, dating back to the fourth century, and was originally called the Feast of All Martyrs. The terms “martyr” and “saint” have historically been closely related; both refer to individuals who witness to their faith in Christ, even at the cost of their lives.
In the early days of Christianity, honouring martyrs was particularly significant. Early Christians often buried these martyrs in tombs that were easily accessible to the faithful, allowing believers to pay their respects and draw inspiration from these courageous figures. Each year, on the anniversary of a martyr’s death, congregations gathered to pray and celebrate the Eucharist near the tombs of these heroes and heroines of faith. This communal observance became an important way for Christians to remember and honour those who had made the ultimate sacrifice for their beliefs.
As the Christian community expanded, these commemorations began to honour not only individual martyrs but also all who had suffered and died for their faith throughout history. By the fifth century, this observance developed into a more inclusive celebration known as the Feast of All Saints, which was initially celebrated on the Friday of Easter Week.
A significant change took place in the ninth century when Pope Gregory IV officially moved the feast to 1 November. This change helped to standardise the observance, enabling Christians to unify their celebrations. Further emphasising the feast’s importance, in 1484 Pope Sixtus IV declared 1 November a holy day of obligation, requiring all Catholics to attend Mass to honour and reflect on the lives of all saints, known and unknown.
Understanding the significance of the saints and cultivating devotion to them can truly enrich our spiritual journey.
Why should our praise and glorification, or even the celebration of a feast day, mean anything to the saints? What do they care about earthly honours when their heavenly Father honours them by fulfilling the faithful promises of the Son? What does our commendation mean to them? The saints have no need for honour from us; neither does our devotion add anything to what is rightfully theirs. Clearly, if we venerate their memory, it serves us, not them. However, when I think of them, I feel a tremendous longing stirred within me.
Remembering the saints inspires within us a deep desire to enjoy their company, which is naturally appealing. We long to share in the citizenship of heaven, to dwell with the spirits of the blessed, to join the assembly of patriarchs, the ranks of prophets, the council of apostles, the great host of martyrs, the noble company of confessors, and the choir of virgins. In short, we yearn to be united in joy with all the saints. Yet, our attitudes often shift. The Church, made up of all Christ’s earliest followers, awaits us, yet we do nothing about it. The saints desire our companionship, and we often remain indifferent. The souls of the just wait for us, and we choose to ignore them.
Let us finally motivate ourselves to act. We must rise again with Christ; we must seek the heavenly realm and focus our minds on divine matters. Let us desire those who yearn for us, hurry to those awaiting our arrival, and ask those who look forward to our coming to intercede for us. We should not only wish to be with the saints, but also hope to share in their joy. While we desire their company, we must also earnestly seek to partake in their glory. Do not believe that there is any harm in such ambition; there is no risk in setting our hearts on that glory.
When we honour the saints, we also experience another longing: that Christ, our life, may reveal Himself to us as He did to them, and that we may one day share in His glory. Until then, we do not see Him as He truly is, but as He became for our sake. He is our head, crowned not with glory, but with the thorns of our sins. As members of that head, crowned with thorns, we should be ashamed to live in luxury; His purple robes are a mockery rather than an honour. When Christ returns, His death will no longer be proclaimed, and we shall understand that we, too, have died, and that our life is hidden with Him. The glorious head of the Church will appear, and His glorified members will shine in splendour with Him as He transforms this humble body into the glory that belongs to Himself, His head.
Therefore, we sincerely and wisely strive for this glorious achievement. To earnestly hope for and work toward such a blessing, we should especially seek the prayers of the saints. In this way, what is beyond our own ability to achieve will be made possible through their intercession.
Saints: Heroes of the Faith
In various Christian traditions, saints hold a significant and revered position, regarded as exemplars of exceptional holiness and heroic faith. They serve as inspiring models for believers, illuminating what it means to lead a life dedicated to God. Crucially, saints are not seen as superior or more deserving than other followers; instead, they demonstrate the profound transformative power of God's grace working in their lives. Notably, the Catholic Church has a special reverence for saints, viewing them as spiritual mentors and intercessors who can advocate for those seeking divine aid through prayer.
Not Perfect, but Transformed:
Saints are not depicted as perfect beings; instead, they are often shown as ordinary people whose lives have been significantly transformed by God's grace. Their stories frequently emphasise their struggles, doubts, and flaws, making it clear that they, too, were subject to human weakness. They exemplify the idea of being "sinners who are forgiven and absolved," illustrating the belief that anyone can be changed, regardless of their past.
Examples of Faith:
Saints beautifully illustrate how faith shows up in our everyday lives and can motivate us to do good, even in the face of challenges. Their stories, found in hagiographies and biographies of saints, highlight their remarkable courage, unwavering dedication to their beliefs, and steady moral integrity, even during tough times. These inspiring stories serve not only as historical records but also as heartfelt examples for believers on how to carry their faith into daily life.
Saints are thought to maintain a unique and significant connection with God in the heavenly realm. Due to this belief, many Christians turn to saints in prayer, asking them to intercede on their behalf. This practice stems from the understanding that saints can act as spiritual guides and mentors, offering wisdom and inspiration to those navigating their own faith journeys. Through their intercession, saints are seen as advocates who can help present the prayers of the faithful before God, further highlighting the communal nature of faith.
Not to Be Worshipped:
While saints are honoured, celebrated, and venerated within Christian practice, it is vital to understand that they are not worshipped as deities. The focus of worship remains firmly on God, with saints serving as exemplars of what it means to live in alignment with the divine will. They are revered as individuals who have achieved a level of sanctity and are recognised for their contributions to the faith, thereby encouraging others to seek a closer relationship with God rather than redirecting that devotion towards the saints themselves.
Conclusion
The Feast of All Saints is a deeply meaningful and cherished celebration for Christians worldwide, representing both a solemn commemoration and a lively expression of faith. This special day is dedicated to honouring the countless men and women throughout history who have lived exemplary lives characterised by unwavering faith, profound virtue, and steadfast commitment to their beliefs. It provides the faithful with an opportunity to strengthen their connection to the rich spiritual legacy these saints embody, reminding them of the remarkable influence holiness can have on the world.
Celebrating the lives of the saints allows believers to find inspiration in their diverse journeys and experiences, each characterised by unique challenges and triumphs. By reflecting on their heroic faith, Christians are encouraged to look inward and examine their own spiritual paths. This introspection creates an environment for personal growth, prompting individuals to develop virtues such as compassion, humility, and perseverance, which reflect the qualities demonstrated by the saints they honour.
The Feast of All Saints enhances the sense of community among Christians. It brings together individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds in a collective act of remembrance, creating a shared space where stories of faith can be celebrated. This communal aspect of the celebration encourages believers to support each other in their spiritual pursuits, fostering connections that go beyond geographical boundaries and denominational differences.
As Christians look to the saints' lives for guidance, they are reminded of faith's enduring strength in overcoming hardship and handling life's complexities. The example set by these holy figures motivates believers to confront their own struggles boldly and seek holiness daily. In the end, the Feast of All Saints serves as a powerful reminder of faith's lasting impact and the significance of honouring those who have paved the way in the pursuit of holiness, inspiring future generations to aim for similar virtues and devotion.
Jeeva Jyothi Carmelite Institute of Spirituality,
Old Gandarvakottai,
Pudukottai - 613301.
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