Today is the Solemnity of All Saints. Normally a holy day of obligation, we are dispensed by our bishops from this serious obligation this year given that the holy day falls on a Monday.
It is difficult, though, to not attend this very special Mass. Most parishes are offering a couple of opportunities to do so, for good reason.
The early Church often would take the bodies of the slain martyrs and carrying them in procession to the place of their burial, immediately proclaiming them saints because it was and is the Church’s belief that if one dies for the faith, one is taken into the presence of God immediately. A day of memory was assigned these martyrs in the beginning. As the number of sainted martyrs increased, many of whom were nameless women and children, the Church wanted to honor them too. Thus, the day of All Saints was established.
If you ever find it a bother to take the time to attend Mass on this day, read the lives of one of those early martyrs, say St. Polycarp. Reflect on the heroic nature of their deaths. Then ask yourself whether taking the time to get to Mass is such a problem.
May all the holy men and women of the centuries, pray for us now and always. Amen.
