Brothers and Sisters,

Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of All Saints. Every day, we remember one or more saints. On All Saints Day, on November 1 every year, we remember all who live in God’s presence forever. Saints were ordinary people who, just like us, had to figure out who they were in the eyes of God and then struggle to live out that vision. Saints of God come in every age, in all sizes, shapes and color. Some are known by name, and many are unknown to us. Abraham was 175 years old when he died; Moses died at the age of 120; Jesus was 30 when he was crucified; Agnes and Maria Goretti were only 12 when they were martyred; Antony of the desert was 105 when he died.

All Saints Day is a celebration of the communion of saints, and we are part of this communion! We are all called to be saints, and we can all become saints! All we have to do is to dedicate our lives to God, love and serve Him! Known or unknown, honored or forgotten, they have one thing in common: during their lives they helped proclaim the presence and love of God. Bernard of Clairvaux said, “calling to mind the saints arouses in us, above all else, a longing to enjoy their company.” Their communion is our longing and that’s what we celebrate.

All Saint’s day is truly a harvest festival. As we come to the close of the agricultural year, we celebrate God’s great harvest of all people throughout history, who have shown love, joy and service, who have proclaimed good news, who have made God’s presence real and have surrendered to God in faithfulness and love. And that’s why flowers, fruits and vegetables; apple-bobbing and pumpkin carving and other harvest games; trick-or-treating and funny faces and all because it’s festival! It’s all saints! It’s great harvest! It’s God’s harvest! Remember the words of Jesus: Look there is a rich harvest, but no one to gather it in..... So, we remember, and we celebrate, and we pray, “Gather us in.......and hold us forever.”

It’s celebration! It’s more than just remembrance of good and holy people. We rejoice in the communion of saints. We are part of this communion! All creation is united and is in harmony in the spirit! We connect and commune with all people of every time and place. We look forward to the day when all creation will be transformed and brought into communion, into holiness, into perfection. Our celebration is part of this great process!

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