The associated reading for this reflection can be found in your Every Sacred Sunday Mass journal or online here.
Throughout my life, I have encountered despair. I’m often overwhelmed when faced with hopeless situations, and I’ve found many new anxieties as I have added “mother” to my list of roles. What kind of a world will my kids inherit? How can I go about living my daily life when so much evil exists?
I love the way J.R.R. Tolkien speaks with such grace and clarity about our responsibility in the midst of a hurting world, as we look ahead to an uncertain future:
“Yet it is not our part to master all the tides of the world, but to do what is in us for the succor of those years wherein we are set, uprooting the evil in the fields that we know, so that those who live after may have clean earth to till. What weather they shall have is not ours to rule.”
This brings us to today’s Gospel, as we remember and honor the Church Triumphant in Heaven. These men and women “uprooted the evil in fields that they knew,” inspiring and clearing a new space for us.
In their own way, each of today’s readings speaks of the call to sainthood, but this Gospel in particular has brought me immense comfort in my own faith life. The Beatitudes are not only a promise from Christ that evil will not prevail, but they serve as a reminder for us to be peaceful, meek, and merciful.
On the night before He dies, Jesus reassures His followers, “… have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world” (John 16:33).
If a saint is anyone who makes it to heaven, I am certain that today I walk among many saints on the journey. I think of my husband, who strives relentlessly to acquire virtue in his own life, and who also works tirelessly to foster virtue in the lives of his students. I think of my friend Brittany, who boldly and lovingly speaks uncomfortable truths so that those around her would grow in holiness. I think of the many good and holy men and women in our faith community here in Hutto, Texas.
I think of lost loved ones, in particular my friends who have lost children, and how this day is for them too, to think of their little ones, with whom they hope to one day be reunited.
All you Holy Saints in Heaven—Pray for us.
Regina Gray, LPC-A works as a mental health counselor in Austin, TX. She specializes in working with survivors of trauma and abuse, utilizing art and creative interventions to help her clients process their experiences. Regina and her husband are avid Survivor fans, and when not watching a new season, they can be found hiking, playing board games, and marveling at their squishy son, Ezra.