All Saints Day November 1

All the Saints with a Small "s"
by Sr. Mary Peter Martin, FSP

Recently I met a retired circulation manager for our local newspaper. Since I myself had once worked in the circulation department of our publishing house, we felt a common bond. We both were aware of the myriad hidden but essential processes and tasks that make for a successful publishing enterprise. Editors and reporters often have their bylines and their day in the sun. With praise or criticism the public gives them some attention. Graphic designers, advertising personnel, printers, and circulation personnel, however, seldom—if ever—get any “press,” photo ops, or recognition beyond a paycheck.

Likewise, in the Church year, there are men and women who are officially recognized as having led a saintly life. Many have their images on prayer cards, icons or in statues. Many books tell of their exploits for God. These folks are called Saints with a capital “S” or Blesseds with a capital “B.”

However, just as a great newspaper requires an untold amount of unseen, detailed work, so it is with sanctity. Striving day in and day out to imitate Jesus and to allow him to take over our thoughts, words and actions demands ongoing, and often unseen, effort and prayer. And for a world to be filled with the presence of the Lord, it takes an untold number of men, women, and children to become “other Christs.”

The Letter to the Hebrews tells us, “We are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses” (12:1). This great cloud is made up of all those in heaven, the majority of whom are the saints of the everyday. These are all the people who died in the grace of God and who now enjoy the presence of God. Pope Francis assures us that their life is anything but boring.

Today’s Feast of All Saints honors all those who are in heaven, including the “behind-the-scenes heroes.” These are the saints with a small “s” who lived with us, went to the same schools with us, worked the same jobs as we may now fill. They raised their children and perhaps their grandchildren too. They were faithful day in and day out. They loved God, their families, their fellow workers, and even those who may have been nasty to them. I think of a classmate named Peter. After a short time with the Jesuits, Peter discerned his call to marriage. He died shortly after being diagnosed with cancer. As one of those humble followers of Jesus, I trust that Peter revels in the joy of the eternal reward granted to a faithful husband and father.
I think of my own mother who raised thirteen children. She always made room for another person around our table. Read more >>