Today we celebrate the Solemnity of All Saints. Saints are not born, but are normal people who - like Mary - have learnt how to yield to God’s will by applying the gift of grace in their daily lives. Their unselfish lives were spent on the good of others as they sought to please the Lord and live for His glory, honour and praise.
Every good story needs a hero and a villain. As each of us is called to be heroes - Saints for the Lord - so we must be prepared to battle the opponent. Sometimes the fight is against our own selfishness, ego and appetites. Other times it is against the devil, sin or from those who ‘insult, persecute and speak lies’ on us (Mt. 5:11-12).
Believers cannot avoid spiritual warfare. But the ‘hotter the battle, the sweeter the victory’. We are all graced by the Lord to strive and live as His saints. It starts with a sincere desire to love and please the Lord as best as we can. It demands perseverance in times of testing and persecution. If we choose to aim high, great is our heavenly reward.
Loving Lord, You train us for battle and prepare us for spiritual warfare, so that we can fight and emerge as victorious saints in Your heavenly army. As we keep our eyes fixed on You and on our heavenly reward, may Your grace give us the strength and courage we need. Amen.
Blessings,
Fr. Howie
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