Often the general consensus is not to be saintly but popular. We compete to look attractive. All Saints Day holds a special significance in calling us back to reflect on our motives. While we want others to look at our faces, Saints were engrossed in their desire to seek God’s face, not only in eternal life but in the poor, marginalised, less fortunate and hurting people. The model of saintliness has now been confused with prophecy and prosperity. The Gospel proclamation reflects the values of the saints who across the centuries were singled out by God to represent some facet of the human personality. Not all died young, not all belonged to religious congregations and not all were born into poverty. From wherever they came, they found the beauty of Christ. Some were peace makers, some were warriors, some were noblemen and some were housewives, some were slaves and some were students. Drawn from the various streams of life, they put on the attitude of Christ and led the world towards him. Let us set our sights on saintliness!

Prayer: Abba Father, may we desire holiness, saintliness and the attitude of Christ. Amen.