The gift of open doors and invitations to offer my vocation as a retired priest, are a treasure in my stage of life. This was true this past Sunday, having the joy of celebrating All Saints Sunday. The Feast of All Saints has deep meaning for me, having served as Rector of All Saints Parish in Winter Park, Florida for close to 12 years. However, the greatest meaning of this day is the invitation it brings to remember “All The Saints” who have been mentors, teachers, companions, and friends along the way. I would not be who I am without them. Without you!
One of them was +Michael Ramsey, the 100th Archbishop of Canterbury. He was one of my professors at Nashotah House Seminary. Here is his definition of the saints:
“A Saint is one who has a capacity to make God real.”
When Jesus came on the scene beginning his public ministry, the first thing he did was to help people understand that the reality of the reign and loving rule of God was available to them. The Kingdom of God was at hand. It was available to anyone who placed their trust in him.
We see this in the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount: The Beatitudes. He is teaching who is really well off, who has a good life, a blessed life, the best life, a flourishing life.
As Leon Bloy said: “The only real sadness, the only real failure, the only great tragedy in life, is not to become a saint.”
Thanks for listening and for the Light within you. In Christ we are all God’s Saints.
With you on The Journey and The Way,
Rob+
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