THE CALL TO HOLINESS: A PATH TO THE KINGDOM

Homily for the Solemnity of All Saints

Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch

Readings: Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14; 1 John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12.

We often think of saints as people who lived extraordinary lives, performed great works or possessed exceptional spiritual gifts. While some saints are remembered for remarkable achievements, the Solemnity of All Saints reminds us that holiness is not reserved for a privileged few. Every Christian is called to become a saint. This solemnity is therefore not only a celebration of those who have reached heaven; it is also a reminder of the life God calls us to live.

In the Gospel, Jesus presents the Beatitudes as the foundation of life in God’s Kingdom (Mt 5:1-12). He calls blessed those who are poor in spirit, meek, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers and those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Surprisingly, he also declares blessed those who mourn and those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. These are not qualities the world ordinarily celebrates. The world often associates happiness with wealth, power, recognition and comfort. Jesus, however, teaches that true blessedness comes from living in accordance with God’s will.

The Beatitudes are not simply beautiful sayings or ideals to admire. They describe the character of a person who allows God to shape his or her life. The saints are people who took these words seriously. They were not necessarily people who never struggled or made mistakes; they were people who allowed God’s grace to transform them and persevered in their journey towards holiness. Their lives show us that sainthood is not about being admired by the world but about being faithful to God.

The first reading offers us a beautiful image of the destiny of those who remain faithful. John sees a great multitude, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before God’s throne, clothed in white robes (Rev 7:9-14). This multitude reminds us that holiness is not limited by nationality, culture, language or social background. The saints come from every corner of the world. Their robes have been washed white in the blood of the Lamb, reminding us that their salvation comes through Christ, not through their own achievements.

St John gives more insight about this message in the second reading by declaring that we are already children of God, even though what we shall become has not yet been fully revealed (1 Jn 3:1-3). This is both a gift and a responsibility. We are God’s children now, but we are also called to grow into the fullness of that identity. The hope of seeing God as he is should inspire us to purify our lives and become more like him.

Today, as we honour all the saints, let us remember that they are not merely figures from the past; they are examples of what God’s grace can accomplish in human lives. We are not called merely to celebrate the saints; we are called to imitate and join  them. May their example encourage us to walk faithfully along the path of holiness until we, too, behold the face of God.