Solemnity of All Saints
Today is the feast of all of us and our ancestors for generations who followed the teachings of Jesus. But becoming a saint is not only following Jesus’ teaching; it is coming to know and have an ever-deepening relationship with him. Father Pedro Arrupe SJ, a former Superior General of the Society of Jesus, once wrote, “Nothing is more practical than finding God – that is than falling in love in a quite absolute, final way.”
Father Eymard evidenced a great love for Christ in the Eucharist early in his life. His pastor allowed him to receive Holy Communion at a younger age because of his devotion. That same love urged him to establish the three branches of the Eymardian Family as he wanted to foster this love of Christ in the Eucharist in priests, religious women, and lay men and women. He encouraged frequent Holy Communion because he saw the Eucharist as food for sinners so that they could become saints.
Today’s Responsorial Psalm, Lord, here is the people who long to see your face can be spoken by all of us who seek to make the Beatitudes our mission in life. I see it in the struggles of single mothers in poverty who care so faithfully for their children. I see it in refugees who, out of fear of violence, take their children on a perilous and long journey seeking a better life. I see it in those in prison ministry, in those who care for men and women in nursing homes, in those who feed the hungry and help to find shelter for the homeless, for those who sit with the grieving, for those who seek an end to violence and for all who love as Jesus loved, unconditionally.
On November 1, 1859, Father Eymard founded the Aggregation of the Blessed Sacrament (164 years ago) – blessings on all our Associates!
Let Us Pray:
Creator God, you sent Jesus into our world to reveal your great love for us through his person, words, and healing. Jesus told his followers we must love others as God has loved us. Fill our hearts on this Feast of All Saints with love for everyone – welcoming, unconditional, warm, caring, and loving. May we be your face to all we meet today. Amen.
