FR. GERALD MUSA HOMILY FOR ALL SAINTS DAY (1)

FR. GERALD MUSA HOMILY FOR ALL SAINTS DAY.

THEME: SAINTS AS ROLE MODELS.

BY: FR GERALD M. MUSA.

HOMILY FOR TUESDAY NOVEMBER 1 2022

Sports lovers like to wear clothes and use sports kits with the inscription of their sports heroes. Likewise, we have our favourite saints just like we have heroes and role models. Saints are spiritual heroes who lived exemplary lives despite the many challenges around them. This explains why it is common to baptize a person with the name of a saint or with the name of prominent biblical figures or a good native name. Even though Christians pray to God through Jesus Christ, they recognise the saints as prayer intercessors. As James the Apostle states, “The fervent prayer of a righteous person (in heaven or on earth) is very powerful” (Jas 5:16). According to the book of Revelation, these righteous people (in heaven and earth) “Stand before the throne of God and offer our prayers to him” (Revelation 5:8). As a matter of fact, sainthood is not reserved for any particular class of people. Scriptures refer to all baptised Christians as Hagioi (A Greek word meaning Saints). There are only about three thousand canonised saints in the church, but there is a multitude of saints who are known to God alone. The 5th Chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus speaks about spiritual attitudes (Beatitudes) that lead to sainthood. These attitudes include: humility, meekness, purity, mercy and patience. Are you aware you are also called to be a saint?

REVELATION 7:2-4, 9-14; 1 JOHN 3:1-3; MATTHEW 5:1-12A

All Saints; 1st November