Random Reflections

The Feast of All Saints Mass Readings for 1.11.11 Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14 At present we are told that the world's population stands at 7 billion with the birth of a girl child in the Philippines last midnight. Now add up 7 billion with those of the past generations that had lived on this earth since Adam and Eve and also the future generations that are being born till the end of the world.The figure is unimaginable ! Revelation says that a complete figure of 12 * 12 *1000 from those among Israel will be saved. This is not to be taken as a literal figure. More than the numbers, it denotes that God is faithful to His covenant promises and a complete number of the Jews will be saved. And Revelation goes on to say that " a vast host appeared which no one could count,(gathered out of) of every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages ".This ' vast number ' are among the non-Jews. Now what is going to be the exact percentage of all the persons (Jews and non-Jews) saved and reaching Heaven to the total population from the days of Adam to the Day of Final Judgement has not been revealed. But Scripture says in many places and in particular in Mathew 7:14 .. " But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." Therefore a significantly limited number of persons will be able to board the bus to heaven from among those born in this world. We must be sure that we do not miss that blessed bus. By God's grace let us keep hoping that we will also join the company of the Saints in Heaven. 1 John 3:1-3 As God's dear children even here and now we get a foretaste of the joys of heaven. The growing intimacy we enjoy with God in our daily walk with Him gives us a sure hope that when we reach heaven and resemble Christ we will be blessed to see God just as He really is.This is the beatific vision that the saints enjoy uninterruptedly in heaven. The temporary sinful pleasures of this life are in no way comparable to this eternal heavenly bliss. What God has promised for his faithful children He is certain to fulfill. The choice is ours and the choice is very clear. All of us are called to become saints. Matthew 5:1-12 A saint is a person who has become one with Christ. But this leads to another question: HOW does a person become one with Christ? While there have been volumes written about how one can become one with Christ, become closer to God, and even how the soul is perfected in human beings, I think today's gospel provides some excellent guidelines. To become one with Christ, we need to become more like Him by following His example, for instance: "Blessed are they who mourn." Jesus mourned for Jerusalem and for His friend Lazarus. We have to mourn over our weaknesses and sinful nature and also over the lost fellow souls. "Blessed are the meek." Jesus Himself said He was meek and humble of heart. We have to become humble and never should we nurse resentments and bitterness in our hearts.We need to have forgiving and compassionate hearts. "Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness." Jesus sought righteousness wherever He went and in every person He met. We should nurture justice, fair-play and honesty in our relationship with others. We must go slow in insisting on our own rights but seek the good of others in all matters.This is the will of God. "Blessed are the merciful." Jesus showed mercy to everyone, even a condemned man next to Him on the cross. It is not enough to merely show sympathy in words.Mercy and compassion have to be shown in action. "Blessed are the clean of heart." Our Lord was without sin. A pure heart is a heart totally dedicated to God.There is no place for love of ' Self ' or love of worldly possessions, or love of any other person except for God in a pure and clean heart. It is an undivided heart where God's love has the first place. We love others by doing good to them unselfishly whether friend or foe. "Blessed are the peacemakers." He sought peace wherever He went and challenged others that if they were without sin, then they could cast the first stone. Seeking peace with others even if we are put under a slight disadvantage is pleasing to God. Sacrificing our own interests in bringing about peace and reconciliation among people is what God expects of us as christians. "Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness." Jesus was righteous above all others, but was persecuted to the point of being hung on the cross. When we live according to the Gospel values a lot of sacrifice and suffering will come our way. This is the ' narrow path ', but it is precisely this path that leads to heaven. But God's powerful presence and protection and His reassuring comfort will always accompany us.God's infinite love and warmth will keep us going no matter what cost. It is in this context St.Paul exclaims in his letter to the Romans " What can separate us from the love of Christ.........? " Living the Gospel values requires tremendous courage and boldness.It is the greatest known adventure in the world with our sights on heaven.However it is made possible only by God's grace and strength and by the gift of faith. Trusting prayer is the key to all of this.Let us pray to our Blessed Mother and to all the saints to powerfully intercede for us while never forgetting that Jesus Christ himself is constantly interceding for us at the right hand of God. Happy Feast ! God Bless.