Bishop Michael F. Burbidge celebrated the Solemnity of All Saints
at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington Nov. 1.
In his homily, Bishop Burbidge said, “The Solemnity of All Saints
reminds us of a reality that we often do not reflect upon. Namely, our life
here on earth is merely a journey and, as we continue it, we share a common
goal and destination: to become a saint and to live with God forever in heaven.
“To examine our progress on this path to holiness,” Bishop
Burbidge said, “I suggest that later today you re-read the Beatitudes just
proclaimed. Those who live them, Jesus says, are considered to be among the ‘blessed.’
“St. Francis de Sales tells us to look at the variety of saints
and find out how they arrived at heaven. He says: ‘The apostles got there
especially through love; the martyrs through steadfastness; the confessors
through sacrifice, the virgins and religious through purity of heart, but all
of them through humility!’
“It is humility that helps us to recognize that, as we strive
daily to grow in holiness, we must not rely on ourselves,” Bishop Burbidge
said. “We are completely dependent upon the Lord’s grace and divine mercy.
These are pure gifts given to us by a generous God who seeks to embrace us in
his infinite love.
The Bishop said that to assist us on our earthly journey, the
Church teaches us that the Lord gives us saints to guide us and to intercede
for us. “Call upon them,” the Bishop said. “Ask for their help and walk in
their company so that one day we too may hear the Lord say: ‘Rejoice and be
glad, for your reward will be great in heaven!’
“Mary our Mother, St. Joseph and all the saints pray for us today
and always. Amen.”