Category Archives: All Saints Day

What is a saint? Some people seem to think that saints are special or outstanding people living special or outstanding holy lives. Some people seem to assume that saints are able to perform amazing works of miracles or great acts of piety such as praying long hours, enduring great sufferings for Christ and remaining sinless. But these are not what a saint is all about, since we sometimes over-exaggerate the good points of the saints, while forgetting that they too have had not so good points. So what makes a “saint” a saint?

What makes a “saint” a saint is basically his or her ability and openness to be in touch with his or her humanness, and making efforts to remain holy while remaining human. The beatitudes in today’s gospel paints us a beautiful picture of what it means to be human and to be holy: by describing those who are happy, blessed, holy, and in touch with their pain, weaknesses and limitations. The beatitudes remind us that saints are the poor in the spirit, for they recognise their own weakness and limitations and therefore their need for God; they are gentle persons and not people of violence; they stand for justice by not remaining silent but stand up especially for the poor, the marginalised, and those who have no voice of their own; they are able to show compassion to others because they too have received compassion from God; they are pure in heart, as they have no hidden agenda; and they are also peacemakers in a world ridden with violence and revenge.

What does this mean to all of us? It means that each of us is called to be a saint. We are called to recognise our poverty, our weaknesses, our pain, our need for compassion, our desire for peace and justice, and our need for God. It is not impossible to be a saint, all we need to do is to be consistent, humble and willing to live life as Christ meant for us to live, and to let Him be our help and guide.

What is a saint? Some people think that a saint is a person who has super powers, with abilities above and beyond mere mortals. Some people think that a saint is an extremely holy or pious person, always praying and preaching the Gospel. Some people think that a saint never makes mistakes or rarely sins. Others think that a saint is someone who has done heroic deeds or lived and died in a heroic way. But are saints made up of only certain qualities, attributes, capabilities or strengths? Are there other factors which could be considered in the equation?

Today’s Gospel tells us that one can be happy despite all sorts of difficulties, problems, or persecution we may face. It may seem extremely difficult or impossible for most of us mere mortals to be happy in such circumstances, but this is where our happiness differs from what the world thinks of as happiness. According to worldly view, happiness is for oneself, or perhaps for one’s family, loved ones and friends. But from a Christian view, our happiness is rooted in the fact that, God unconditionally loves all of us and that nothing – sickness, failure, emotional distress, oppression, war or even death – can take that love away. So, one aspect of saintliness is to be humbly aware of God’s love for us, and His love is not meant only for ourselves, but to be diligently, enthusiastically and warmly shared with all.

St. Paul tells us in the second reading that we are beloved children of God, and that is our true identity, our source of joy and strength. The second reading also tells us that we have hope of being with God and seeing Him as He really is, and so we must purify ourselves and must try to be as pure as Christ. So, another aspect for saintliness is to be joyful and hopeful, even in the midst of trials and sufferings, like the martyrs whose robes were washed clean by the blood of persecution, as the first reading tells us. This joy and hope is not meant to kept within ourselves, but for all to witness, so that glory is given to God.

If we look at some of the aspects of saintliness mentioned, we can begin to realise that it is not difficult or impossible to be a saint. What is important is we learn to grow in humility and dependence in God’s love, care and providence, and learn to love others just as God love us unconditionally. We cannot grow in holiness and closer to God overnight. It takes time, patience, lots of effort, and plenty of humility and cheerfulness. Ultimately, we depend on God’s grace, strength and loving power to transform us, for His greater glory.

Today we celebrate All Saints Day. We thank God for the many men and women, young and old, who through their lives showed us how to strive towards holiness. Some of us, perhaps, may think that we are just not good enough or capable enough to become a saint. The point is, we are all called to become saints in different ways. Perhaps a reading of Hebrews 12 would help.

1. Rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us

2.  Persevere in running the race

3.  Keep our eyes fixed on Jesus

4.  Endure your trials as “discipline”

Are we able to go forth and strive towards holiness and be saints with God’s help? Or are we still dwelling in self-pity, refusing to let our loving God transform us?