November 09, 2020
by Mary Sellars Malloy
Question of the Week, November 1, 2020 - Solemnity of All Saints
I’ve written before about my image of the Communion of Saints—those gone before us, those walking with us, and those coming after us in the great procession to the Kingdom of Heaven. The saints are the ones who encourage us to keep moving forward with our eyes set on the kingdom. They are the ones who reach out to pull us back onto the heavenly path when we get off course or make a detour. They lead us not just by their words but by their examples.
When I think of my circle of saints—my parents, mentors, friends, parishioners, and even those whose names we sing and celebrate in the Church’s Litany of Saints—three things come to mind:
- My saints were and continue to be great encouragers, helping me recognize my gifts, assuring me that I can put those gifts to great use in the service of God and others, and delighting in my accomplishments and successes.
- They were and are forgiving of my shortcomings and failures, lovingly helping me get back up and onto the right path, dusting me off, and walking with me each step of the way.
- They have shown me by example, the face of holiness, and taught me how to be just, generous, joyful, forgiving, accepting, welcoming, prayerful, and trusting.
On this Solemnity of All Saints, I again invite you to look at those on the path to the Kingdom of Heaven with you. Look at those before and behind you, to your left and right. Who needs your encouragement today? Who needs the gift of forgiveness and understanding? How can you best lead by example, and what is the example you will give?
Mary Sellars Malloy has over forty years’ experience as a Catholic educator and lay minister. She is a frequent workshop presenter on prayer, liturgy, spirituality, the Sacraments, and the RCIA. Also, Mary leads retreats and parish missions throughout the country. Her goal is to encourage Catholics of all ages to appreciate and to live their Catholic faith.