Feasts of All Saints/All Souls (Luke 6:20-31)

As we celebrate the feasts of All Saints and All Souls, let us remember the saintly traits that have left lasting impressions on our hearts. Over the past two years, we have lost several cherished and active members: Rosalinda, Nick, Janet, Betsy, Fred, and Connie. Many among you have also endured personal losses, such as Nancy, who lost her brother Billy and mother Sally.

When you reflect on these loved ones—or anyone dear to your heart—what saintly qualities come to mind? Which admirable traits do you wish to carry within you and emulate?

For me, Rosalinda brings to mind warmth, openness, her sparkling eyes, and our first conversation in the church parking lot. Nick? The “R” word—Rutgers and rejection—comes to mind, but also his rambunctious and radiant spirit. Janet embodied elegance, hospitality, warmth, and confidence. Betsy was cheerful by choice, wise, classy, warm, and attentive. Fred was always present—quiet, calming, reliable—with a firm handshake (have you ever shaken his hand?). Connie showed genuine interest in everyone, a desire to learn and engage, and a readiness to step up and support others.

A friend from my priestly formation died about ten years ago, at the young age of 42, leaving behind four little children. I often think of him, and he reminds me of Dorothy Day, whom he greatly admired. Dorothy took seriously the call to sainthood, quoting Léon Bloy: “There is only one sadness: not to be a saint.” She wrote:

“We have not begun to live as good Christians. We do not tithe ourselves; there is no year of jubilee; we do not keep the Sabbath; we have lost the concept of hospitality. There are, of course, the lives of the saints, but they are too often written as though they were not of this world. We have seldom been given the saints as they really were, as they affected their times—unless in their own writings. But instead of that strong meat, we are too generally given the pap of hagiography. Too little has been stressed the idea that all are called.”

My friend Jae took Dorothy Day’s words deeply to heart. He truly believed he was called to be a saint. Do I think he was a saint? Calling him one would let me off the hook. The better question is: Do we strive to be saints?

Being a saint is not about perfection. Those we remember, and all the saints, had flaws. They were not perfect. They could be moody, grumpy, silly, sometimes mean or impatient. Yet, despite their imperfections, they left saintly marks on our hearts.

We embody these qualities and make them our own. We also add our own marks for future generations. This work of sainthood spans generations, and the Church is called to participate in this project. The Eucharist is an embodied practice of taking these saintly traits into our bones and blood. This is the heart of what we celebrate on these feasts of All Saints and All Souls.