Readings: Apocalypse 7:2-4, 9-14; Psalm 24; 1 John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12A
Today, the Church celebrates the Communion of Saints in a solemn and joyful way. It is a day when heaven and earth unite in praise of God, who has brought countless souls into glory.
WHO ARE THEY?
We celebrate our brothers and sisters, relatives, friends, colleagues, spouses, parents, grandparents and former parishioners: people we once knew, and others we never met, who lived among us on earth and now belong to the company of saints in heaven.
We honour not only those officially canonised by the Church, but also the countless unknown men and women who persevered in faith and holiness. We also remember those who have died and entrust them to God’s mercy, praying that they may share in the joy of heaven.
WHERE ARE THEY?
The saints are where there are no more tears, sorrow, fear, worry, anxiety, pain, sickness, regret or death. As Scripture tells us, God will wipe away every tear from their eyes (Revelation 21:4).
They dwell in perfect peace and unending joy in God’s presence. Their happiness is complete because they see God face to face and worship Him in glory. They have received the inheritance God promised to His faithful children.
HOW ARE THEY?
They are blessed, fulfilled and full of joy. Their earthly journey, with all its struggles and uncertainties, has ended. They now see God face to face and share in the life and glory He has prepared for those who love Him.
As St. John reminds us in the Second Reading, we are already children of God, though the fullness of what we shall become has not yet been revealed. When Christ appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is (1 John 3:1-3). The saints now share in that promised glory.
A MESSAGE FOR US
As we celebrate the saints, let us remember that this feast is not only about admiration or intercession; it is also about imitation. We are not only called to honour the saints; we are called to become holy as they were. Heaven is their home, and it is our true home too.
St. Paul calls Christians “called to be saints” (Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2). Holiness is not reserved for a few extraordinary people, it is the vocation of every Christian.
Let us reflect on seven things that marked the lives of the saints and allow their example to inspire us.
I. They loved God above all things
The saints loved many things in life: their families, friends, vocations and communities. But they loved God above all. They did not choose anything or anyone over their fidelity to Him, even when that faithfulness demanded great sacrifice.
True holiness begins with rightly ordered love. When God becomes the greatest love of our hearts, everything else finds its proper place.
II. They were imperfect, but never comfortable in sin
The saints faced temptations just as we do. They struggled with weaknesses and faults, but they did not make peace with sin. They repented sincerely and never stopped striving for holiness.
They hungered and thirsted for righteousness, relying not on their own strength but on the mercy of God. None reached heaven by personal merit alone; salvation is God’s gift, made possible through the saving work of Christ.
We too must never settle into sin or excuse our weaknesses. We must keep repenting, doing penance and trusting in the grace of God, who forgives and renews us.
III. They persevered in faith to the end
Many saints faced tremendous trials, persecution and suffering. They were misunderstood, mocked and rejected, yet they held on to their faith.
Through tears, pain and sacrifice, they continued to believe and trust in God. Like St. Paul, they could say: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
We too must learn to endure trials with faith and courage. The road that leads to life can be difficult, but those who persevere in Christ will share in His victory.
IV. They loved the poor and the lowly
The saints were poor in spirit and rich in compassion. They loved the poor, the sick, the lonely and the rejected. They recognised the face of Jesus in those who were suffering and forgotten.
Many gave their lives in service to others. Their charity was shown not only in words but in deeds. In loving the poor, they loved Christ Himself.
Let us also see Christ in the poor, visit the sick and serve others with love. Acts of mercy are seeds of eternal life.
V. They sought heaven above all things
The saints lived on earth with their hearts set on heaven. The pleasures and honours of this world did not distract them from their true goal. Their eyes were fixed on the Kingdom of God.
They desired heaven more than wealth, comfort or fame. Jesus teaches us: “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33).
We too must keep heaven in view. It is easy to become lost in the noise and distractions of the world, but we must remember that we are pilgrims journeying towards our eternal home.
Let no one say, “Heaven is not for me.” God created us for life with Him, and Jesus has opened the way for us. We are called to respond to His grace through faith, love and perseverance.
VI. They loved the Eucharist
The saints drew strength from Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. They attended Mass, received Holy Communion with reverence and spent time in adoration. The Eucharist united them more closely to Christ and nourished their love and service.
We too must make the Eucharist the centre of our lives and allow Jesus to shape our hearts.
VII. They practised the Beatitudes
The saints lived the Beatitudes by being humble, merciful, pure of heart and committed to peace and righteousness. They remained faithful even in suffering and rejection.
The Beatitudes are not just words to admire; they show us how to follow Jesus and grow in holiness.
Let us walk in the footsteps of the saints, inspired by their example and strengthened by their prayers. May their triumph give us courage, and may their intercession help us so that, when our journey is over, we too may be counted among that great company who see God face to face and sing His praises forever.
Sermon preached by Fr Emmanuel Baraka-Gukena Okami on November 1, 2026