“‘Be Holy For I Am Holy’…Happy Saints Day!”

“‘Be Holy For I Am Holy’…Happy Saints Day!”
Today is “All Saints Day.” To some people to talk of saints is in reference to canonized saints like in the Catholic tradition of St this or St that, etc. A saint is somebody who strives to live a holy life. God says, “Be holy for I am holy!”
The Catholic church talks of the church triumphant, that is the church in heaven. There is also the church Expectant, refering to those who died without attaining holiness. Their souls are in purgatory and when mass is made on their behalf their souls migrate to the church triumphant. This is what originated the Sales of indulgence which Martin Luther challenged. Finally, there is the church militant, referring to the physically earthly body of Christ.
The difference with Protestant theology is the absence of the church expectant. The ptotestants believe in the church triumphant and the church militant.
On this day it is important for us to remember those of the church triumphant because we know they led holy lives and are in heaven assisting Christ in his priestly functions.
However, we are also called upon today to live holy lives because we constitute the church militant!
We are reminded on how Jesus sent out the twelve and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and heal every disease and sickness.
They were to offer to the people freely what they themselves had received freely. “As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons…” They were not to burden themselves with cargo, but to rely on the goodwill and hospitality of welcoming homes, which are hallmarks of saintly persons.
In other words, the disciples had received the teachings of saintliness and they were sent out to pass it on freely to those who had not known Christ so that they too should become saints(Mtt.10:1-15).
This is still our mission today: to live holy lives and let others lead holy lives as well! This means we should fear the Lord and excercise love to the world! We should stand for Christ and die by him and with him!
Weekend prayer: Holy Spirit lead me in holiness and help me to lead your church militant to holiness. Amen!
Have a blessed weekend! Peace be with you!