Reflections on All Saints Day

The Forerunners of Christ with Saints and Martyrs by Fra Angelico

You may think that to be a saint, you need to do epic things for God. In the early Fourth Century, the title “saint” was given to venerate those in the western church who had been martyred. Even during the Middle Ages, this title was given to those the church recognized for their acts of faithfulness. It’s no wonder that many of us associate “saints” with those who have acted faithfully in truly unique circumstances.

However, this is not the only way that we use this terminology. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul often refers to the people of God as saints or holy ones. This is a good and important reminder of our calling. We, as followers of Jesus, are given a new identity and set apart uniquely for the work of God, to live in the reality of God’s Kingdom of justice and equity for the benefit of all of creation and to the glory of God.

On All Saints Day, which we observe on the first Sunday of November in 2025, we remember those who have gone before us. If it were a family member, a pastor, an author, or a friend, we would remember with gratitude and celebrate that we are part of a spiritual family, founded under Christ and based on His great love. We are not necessarily called to grand and epic actions, but our plain and ordinary lives are lived in the reality of the grand epic love of Jesus Christ.

In November, we will start with All Saints Day and end with Advent. We begin with joy and celebration, and end with longing and expectation. Even when the world’s darkness seems overwhelming, with a certain hope, we begin to feel the dawn approaching as we eagerly anticipate the arrival of our King.