Rev 7:2-4, 9-14

1 Jn 3:1-3

Mt 5:1-12a

Today’s feast is not about the canonized saints but about all the good and holy people who have ever lived. When we die that will include us as well if we have a relationship with God, even a last minute one like the thief hanging on the cross next to Jesus. The raw material of every saint is ordinary, broken humanity, people like us who have been transformed by God’s grace, love and mercy.

In its document on the Church, the Second Vatican Council wrote a chapter called The Universal Call to Holiness. Today’s Feast reminds us of our deep-down calling to become better people than we currently are!

There are holy women and men who live among us today. They are living saints, and among them, there may be someone you know. Think about the single mother who is faithful to her God, who is kind and compassionate to all with whom she interacts, who dedicates her life to raising her children to do the same. Everyone likes her and is comfortable in her presence. They may even describe her as a holy person. Is she one of the saints among us?

Think about the neighbor who is concerned about others on his street. He shops for the disabled woman who lives next to him. He cuts the lawn for the elderly couple across the street. He is a school guard at the end of his street to make sure his neighborhood children are safe. He is always cheerful and generous with all he can share with others. Is he one of the saints among us?

Think about the retired teacher who keeps in contact with many of her former students, especially the ones who were in trouble or on the edge of trouble. She supports their efforts at raising their own families. She writes notes of encouragement to the ones she knows are struggling in some way. When she meets them while shopping she makes it a point to spend time talking with them, showing her continued interest in them. Is she one of the saints among us?

Think about your retired relative who takes her responsibility as a citizen seriously and will get up early to go to the voting center to fulfill her duty to vote. She is concerned about some realities in our country that she believes are wrong. Voting is her way to address them.

We all know people who are genuinely good, people we describe as kind, compassionate, loving, always caring about others. Who is the person you consider to be a saint among us? Would people who know you be able to think that about you?

What can you learn from a saintly person among us?

How are you now or how can you become a saintly person?