Called to Stand Firm ~ by Betty Alexis

Feast of All Saints

We are offered hope in the first reading of Revelations today. This hope is based on the faith we have in the Lord Jesus. We are reminded also that we can all share the Glory of God, as we are all called to be saints. The true meaning of "saint" was learned, i.e. a saint is anyone who endures to the end. The lesson of the first reading was rather powerful even to us today. We were clearly reminded that even when we are persecuted and suffer, we are the ones who will be called saints, if we endure and stand firm in the Lord.

In the second reading we are encouraged to keep our hope alive in God. We are given the assurance that we are God's children now. We know who we are right now. Even though we may not know what tomorrow has for us, we are assured that when God's plan for us is revealed it will be grand. Our job right now is to live according to the plan God has set out for us. The gospel reading gives us much hope and reassures us that glory comes from suffering. Unfortunately, most times when we are in trouble and are suffering, we fail to see the goodness of God. But today's readings and the gospel comes as a testament to us - if we stand firm (even in our suffering) we will see the goodness of God.

As a people, we need to look forward to our heavenly home with God. We must strive to become God's saints through our suffering here on earth. We must endure our daily hardships so that we would one day stand firm with God and proudly shout that we are washed in the Blood of the Lamb. The gospel reading promises a great reward in heaven for those of us who stand firm in God.

My fellow Christians, let us set our minds on God with the knowledge that we are all God's children, even to the very end!