Saints are often depicted as spiritual champions who have won gold medals in the race of faith. However, Jesus challenges our expectations. In the Beatitudes, which we will read on Sunday, he does not bless the triumphant and accomplished, but the poor in spirit, the mourners, the merciful, and the peacemakers. Saints, in other words, are not a select few heroes of the faith; they are the entire community of those who follow Jesus and trust in his promises.
On Sunday, we will give thanks for those who have gone before us in faith. We will also remember that we, too, are part of that blessed communion of saints, journeying together toward the day when God will wipe away every tear from every eye.
Fr. Karl