November 1980
At the beginning of our journey stands a promise: "I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars of the sky and as the sand of the sea" (Gen. 22:17). God's word to Abraham finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. In him, the vast multitude described in Revelation becomes a single family, the people of God.
"Then I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: 'Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.'" (Rev. 7:9-10)
A people journeying toward the Kingdom. All Saints' Day awakens our hope by showing us where the path leads.
"Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." (Rev. 7:16-17)
Mariangela:
Francis was blind when he composed the Canticle of the Creatures, through which he teaches us to sing the praises of the Sun even when we cannot see it. His joy was not the satisfaction of one to whom everything comes easily.
Sometimes we, too, can no longer see the sun—blinded by illness or by despair.
May this pilgrimage of Faith and Light carry us all toward that light which calls to us!
"Good for Nothing"
Despite the distance of centuries, Bernadette's message speaks to us still. Today it can help the pilgrim discover that even if you seem good for nothing, you always have something irreplaceable to offer.
"Always in the infirmary, always good for nothing." The Lord did well not to let me choose my own way of life. Certainly I would never have chosen this inactivity to which I am confined. I would have so loved to have a task. My weapons are prayer and sacrifice, which will remain mine until my last breath. Then the weapon of sacrifice will fall, but that of prayer will follow me to heaven, where it will be all the more powerful."
Bernadette
Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace!
Where there is hatred, let me bring love,
where there is offense, let me bring forgiveness,
where there is discord, let me bring unity.
Where there is error, let me bring truth,
where there is doubt, let me bring faith,
where there is despair, let me bring hope,
where there is darkness, let me bring light,
where there is sadness, let me bring joy.
O Master, grant that I may not seek
so much to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For
it is in giving that we receive,
it is in forgetting ourselves that we find ourselves,
it is in forgiving that we are forgiven,
it is in dying that we are reborn to eternal life!
The Saints?
Appearance: they had none
Like you
Like me
Yesterday and today
The saints?
Men and women
Young or…not so young
tall or small
stumbling or bold
Like you
Like me
Yesterday or today
The basket of their hearts
was full of flowers
of every color
like the rainbow
But the leaves of each day
hid the thorns
that wounded their lifeblood of love
and made their tears
spray blood
like when storms and hurricanes
make the clouds weep.
They walked through life
bent under the weight of their thoughts
Like you
Like me
Yesterday or today
They did not look down at their feet
but at the face of the traveler they met.
"Are you happy? Sick? Downhearted?
Do you hunger and thirst for wealth?
Or for friendship?
I have not much to give you
but what I have
without regret
I give to you abundantly.
A crumb of joy
that your heart seeks—
here it is, and a bit of love—
and let us dance Tra-la-la…"
Yet they went on their way
pushing ever forward
their gaze, their smile, their hands
cheerful and joyful
despite the weight of the body
of labor
of sleepless nights
and their own hunger
Like you
Like me
Yesterday or today
Is it sure?
At the turning of the road
the great meeting
"Give me your hand
and come,
leave your brother there—
the journey is finished.
Only the jewels of your heart
will weigh down the scales of joy.
You have filled them
with what you have given
without counting
all through the days.
All has been gathered
in the secret
of your love."
A rain of roses and light
upon the pilgrims of the earth…
Do not look down at your feet
but keep your gaze lifted
to meet the face
of the lost traveler
and say to him as the guides
who came before you have said:
"Are you happy, sick? Downhearted?
I have not much to give you,
but here it is, and you will see."
If this costs you,
hunt down your doubts,
lift your head,
sing your song
despite the sharp points of the thorns
and the darkness that wounds you.
Do not stop smiling,
and do not close your hands.
Keep walking,
do not leave the road
for yesterday does not return
and tomorrow waits for you.
Open your hands
toward Him who tomorrow—
what tomorrow?—
at the turning of the road
will open his arms to you
and show you
your place
in the vast space
where are gathered
clothed in white
the illuminated saints
who have already arrived
in the kingdom of eternity.
Then you will sing
ALLELUIA!
But begin to sing it
now.
Suggestions
- The saints sought to say "yes" to God. This "yes" is made of joy, but it is not obvious at first glance. Jesus calls each of us to pronounce this "yes." Seek to understand how the saint chosen by your community—or a saint you prefer—said "yes" to God.
- ALL SAINTS' DAY: THE FEAST OF ALL THE SAINTS
The joy of all is possible only when the suffering of each has been taken seriously.