Today is All Saints' Day, a polar opposite holiday to Halloween. All Saints' Day honors the memory of the saints who lived and died for the faith. For a saint there is no true death, for he or she who is in Christ shall be swept to paradise and live eternally. This is a day to think about life. To remember the lives of the believers who paved the way before us.
I think of the Apostle Paul and his tremendous life. He was Pharisee of Pharisees. He persecuted the Christians and sought to route them when on the road to Damascus he encountered Christ. Paul undergoing a transformation became one of greatest Fathers of the Church. He ministered to the Gentiles and Jews alike. Through him God converted his children Israel, the Greeks, Scythians, and the people who physically put Christ on the cross, the Romans! Most of the New Testament was written by this audacious man. Paul is proof that even an enemy of Christ can become His most devout and faithful ally.
Then there is the Beloved Disciple. John was the closest to Jesus on Earth. He is the only disciple if you don't count Mary Magdalene, who was with Christ at Calvary. John is another father of the Church and he is the only one to not perish on a cross or die except of natural causes. On the Isle of Patmos he was boiled many times, but still he would not die. Some believe afterwards he went to be with Mary, Mother of Christ, whom he swore to take care of at Christ's crucifixion. John is also the one whom received The Revelation of the events that shall take place when Jesus returns.
Another notable saint is Thomas. Thomas is often nicknamed "Doubting Thomas." We know very little of him, except for that on Resurrection Sunday he said, "I won't believe until I put my fingers where the nails were driven in his hands and in his side were the spear pierced him." (John 20:25). Thomas is not mentioned again after Christ appears resurrected in the Upperoom. Since Thomas never wrote a book of the Bible or at least none has been found that can be truly verified as his own, we don't get to catch up with this saint. However, some historians and clerics claim that he did go to Spain and other distant places. Thomas is a reminder to us all that doubt can rob us and that even he who saw the messiah in the flesh struggled with unbelief. This should be a comfort to anyone struggling in their faith. For if a follower of Jesus who beheld the miracles and saw the Son of God walk this earth doubted, then you aren't in terrible company. Just make sure you like Thomas in the end you bow and say, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28).
The Fisher of Men, who is Peter should not be forgotten. It was him that first had the epiphany that Jesus was the messiah. He also was the one who became the Mouth of Satan and who denied Christ thrice. Still, this was a man whom God had chosen to share his Gospel and establish his Kingdom. Peter to all reformed Christians is a saint who reminds us that even if fear assails you and you surcome to saying something you regret there is forgiveness. For the Catholic, Peter is much more. He is the father of the Holy Roman Catholic Church and the first Pope.
There are many saints worth mentioning, among them is Timothy who was a disciple of Paul. Timothy was reared and taught by his mother. He was half Jew and half Greek. Timothy brillant for his age and Paul admonishes him, "don't let anyone look down on you because you are young." (1 Timothy 4:15). There is John Mark, who wrote the Gospel of Mark which is scholars believe to be Peter's Gospel dictated to Mark. These and many others are worth revering, not worshipping. It's important that we also not elevate these men and lower ourselves. We too are saints and servants of Christ. While we haven't been canonized by men, we are canonized in The Book of Life the moment we believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour. I think honoring the saints who suffered and died so that we may know the Truth is the right thing. However, I don't believe dead saints intercede for us or that we should pray to them. I believe this breaks the First and Second Commandments which are still in effect. I also think while we admire and read the words of these men and women who loved the Lord, we must be careful to not put them on such a high pedestal that we forget that they too were sinners in need of a savior and that they were far from being perfect.
I encourage everyone to pick one saint you admire and examine their life. I would also encourage that we not forget the blood of the martyrs. They suffered so that we could learn how to be saved. Let us on this day thank God for those brave souls who laid down their lives so that you and I can proclaim that we know Christ! May we make this a Veteran's Day of the Saints who's blood was spilled in the service of the One True God. Amen.
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