The Significance of All Saints’ Day
Today, the Church comes together in holy remembrance of the communion of ALL Saints - not just canonized figures, but all those who share in the resurrection of our Lord Jesus.
Since the tenth century, the church has recognized those who quietly live out Christ’s love and teachings, celebrating the “great cloud of witnesses” from Hebrews 12:1 who inspire us in our faith journey, like Saints Paul and Peter, Francis of Assisi and Theresa of Avila, St. Augustine, and a multitude of others. Their good deeds and writings continue to inspire generations. In their honor, we name hospitals, schools, and churches after them, and their service to the church is taught to uplift the faithful.
The Legacy of the Saints
Regardless of how much or how little we know about these faithful witnesses, one thing remains certain: their ministries have deeply enriched the church, and we set this day aside to give thanks for the blessings bestowed upon us through their faithful example.
Many saints live by Jesus’ standard; they lived in poverty and served others without financial gain; some faced opposition – even death due to their beliefs. The Gospel of Luke highlights how Jesus’ standards differ from worldly values, giving a promise of blessings for the poor and those who suffer or are excluded because of the Son of Man. Jesus assures them that their reward is in heaven. Even though these may not appear as blessings, Jesus maintains they are, and he entrusts the Kingdom of God to such individuals.
Challenging Common Objections to the Kingdom of God
In a world often shaped by business acumen and practical experience, it is not uncommon for some to raise objections when considering who might be entrusted with the Kingdom of God. If this were a debate or a public poll, there would likely be those who protest, saying, “Surely, we cannot put the future of God’s Kingdom into the hands of the poor or the social inferior. They lack the experience to manage even their own affairs—how could they possibly be blessed, and expected to oversee something as important as God’s Kingdom?” Others might argue that the Kingdom of God is nothing more than a lofty theological concept, an ideal tossed by scholars and church leaders.
So, what I’m pointing out is that the very idea of entrusting the Kingdom to the types of people Jesus described might seem unrealistic or even impossible.
Perhaps what is most troubling is that there are some who, upon hearing Jesus’ words, may respond with complacency: “See? Jesus promises that the poor, the hungry, the sorrowful, and the hated will be comforted in heaven. So, why should I interfere with God’s plan or act now?” It’s sad to say that many Christians fall in this category, mostly because we are afraid of what might happen to us if we agree with what the world says about caring for the poor.
Yet, Jesus looks at those who oppose the radical vision of the Kingdom of God and delivers a stark warning:
“Woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation!”
“Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry!”
“Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep!”
“Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets!”
Most people don't like to hear these blessings and woes, but they are words that Jesus so desperately wants his saints here and now to know. When I get to preach on these passages, I find myself advising and emphasizing that wealth or being rich is not a curse. Jesus is not after every wealthy person. It’s the heart and mindset behind how one handles oneself with wealth that makes the woes effective.
If you think back to the scriptures, you’ll recognize that the woes echo the words from the Magnificat in Luke 1:53, "He hath filled the hungry with good things: and the rich he hath sent empty away." Also, in the parable of the Rich man and Lazarus, Jesus states that ‘the rich, having received their consolation in this world, will have none in the next.’ St. Paul also speaks of wealth in 1 Timothy 6:10, ’for the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.’ These scriptures and parables are Jesus’ way of calling our attention to those who are comfortable while others suffer. Jesus is not after the wealthy, but about complacency, self-sufficiency, and spiritual numbness. It’s about mistaking material abundance for divine favor. It is about the heart that no longer hungers for justice, mercy, or transformation.
As we celebrate the Feast of All Saints, remember that God calls us to be active witnesses in His Kingdom. The Kingdom of God is not distant or abstract; it is a present reality defined by love, justice, and compassion. Today, this means building communities rooted in care, fairness, and efforts to improve lives for everyone.
Living Out the Kingdom of God
The Kingdom of God breaks into our lives most powerfully when we act with kindness, especially in moments when retaliation might seem justified. It is present when we choose to love our enemies, to do good even to those who dislike us, and to respond to hurtful words or actions with blessing instead of anger. The light of the Kingdom shines brightest when we pray for those who have mistreated us and when we honor the requests of those in need—whether it is the person asking for help on the street, a refugee seeking safe shelter, or newcomers in our community longing for a sense of belonging.
Practicing the Golden Rule
When we follow the simple yet profound principle of “do to others as you would have them do to you,” we are living as citizens of God's Kingdom. By doing so, we make God’s love visible in the world and become examples of stability and grace in the midst of hardship. These acts, though challenging, reflect the heart of the Gospel and the calling of every Christian. The good news is that we are not left to undertake this calling on our own. Through our baptismal vows, we are empowered by the gift of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14). The Spirit grants us wisdom and strength, enabling us to discern what is right, to show mercy, and to stand up for those who defend themselves. By relying on this divine empowerment, we can live out the principles of the Kingdom in our daily lives, bearing witness to God’s love and justice in all that we do.
Continuing the Work of Sainthood
The Holy Spirit’s work is evident in the Scarsdale community, especially at St. James the Less, where people assist refugees, provide food to those in need, and support families in the Bronx. These acts reflect God’s call for ordinary people to serve and love others, exemplifying sainthood. As we honor saints, past and present, we remember that ‘Sainthood’ is defined by God. Our task is to continue serving faithfully, trusting that all who love God will one day unite in praise. Amen!