Blessed Are Those Who Mourn
Of course, when we think of saints, we immediately think of those men and women whom the Church has made saints because of their extraordinary witness to our faith. In times of difficulty, they invariably turned to prayer. Catherine of Siena prayed for the strength to make every pain seem light and every action guided by God, invoking “Christ love! Christ love!” Facing death, Teresa of Ávila expressed how she looked forward to at last meeting the Lord.
We certainly honor and seek to imitate the inspiring lives of these individuals, who in some cases died for their beliefs. The feast of All Saints underscores their prominent place in our hearts and in our prayer life. We see them as intercessors through prayer to God, helping us along the way. They hear our prayers in loving response when we ask them to pray for us, such as in the beautiful sacred prayer of the Litany of the Saints. It is a tightly bound circle between heaven and earth. Saint Dominic even famously promised his personal support in love while he lay dying. Surrounded by the brothers of his order, he told them, “Do not weep, for I shall be more useful to you after my death and I shall help you then more effectively than during my life.”
It is a gift that we can continuously share our faith and hope with one another. On the feast of All Souls, we remember our dead. Our prayers and good works are intended to aid those who have died, as they find their place at home with God, but we are always part of this faith tapestry together. New life in Christ awaits all who believe.
Our faith teaches us that there is so much more than we can sometimes comprehend. It is a mystery that envelops us in love.