All Saints Day, Monday – 01st November 2021 — Gospel: Mt 5,1-12
Every Saints Framework
In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III (731-741) consecrated a new chapel in St.Peter’s Basilica to all saints on November 1. He fixed the anniversary of this dedication as the date of the feast. In the ninth century, Pope Gregory IV (827-844) extended the celebration of All Saints for the entire Church. Since then, the Church celebrates the feasts of All Saints on this date.
On the Solemnity of All saints, it is truly a wonder to think of the variety and diversity of the saints in the Church. The saints were poor in spirit and thirsty for righteousness. They were meek and merciful, poor and peaceful. They were persecuted, insulted, and mocked. And what did they receive in exchange? Happiness in heaven. All the saints have one thing in common, i.e., their reward of Heaven, eternal life with Jesus. And that is where all our sufferings and crosses in Christ lead to.
Jesus declares them as ‘ Blessed,’ who in the eyes of the world might seem as cursed. This list is not conditions for discipleship or requirements for a new start, but rather they describe those who already belong to the Christian community. They are identified as Saints. Thus the nine declarations are not statements about general human virtues, rather they pronounce blessings on authentic disciples in the Christian community. These beatitudes do not describe nine different kinds of people, but envisage eschatological declarations to be lived here and now. Thus, they are a frame-work for attaining sanctity or eternal life. All the Saints we remember today are people who lived on earth the beatitudes as Jesus lived. While we remember to celebrate the numerous courageous men and women who lived their lives of selfless love, we also recall our capability of living such lives, imitating those who have gone before us. It means to say, “they could, we also can.” Therefore, the solemn celebration is of possibilities, potential and promise for those living here and now.
