READINGS FOR MASS ON THE SOLEMNITY OF ALL SAINTS, YEAR A, SUNDAY, 1ST NOVEMBER, 2026.
First Reading: Apocalypse 7:2-4, 9-14
Psalm: 23
Second Reading: 1 John 3:1-3
Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12
REFLECTION BY FR CORNELIUS NWAOGWUGWU, CM.
SOLEMNITY OF ALL SAINTS: THE UNIVERSAL CALL TO HOLINESS.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of All Saints, honouring all those who have attained the glory of heaven, including those formally canonised by the Church and the countless unknown saints who have no official feast days. This celebration reminds us that holiness is not reserved for a few extraordinary people. Rather, God calls all of us to become saints by living according to the teachings of Jesus Christ.
As Catholics, we honour the saints, but we do not worship them. Worship belongs to God alone. We honour the saints because they faithfully followed Christ and allowed His love, mercy and holiness to shine through their lives. We also seek their intercession, asking them to pray for us before God. Their lives inspire us to grow in faith and remain committed to our Christian calling.
The First Reading presents a great multitude of people from every nation, tribe, people, and language standing before God’s throne. This vision reminds us that holiness is universal. The saints come from different cultures, backgrounds, and circumstances, yet they are united by their faithfulness to God. Their example encourages us to persevere in our Christian journey, knowing that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. (Apocalypse 7:2-4, 9-14).
In the Second Reading, we are reminded of the wonderful love of God, who calls us His children. We are already God’s children through faith and Baptism, but we look forward to the fullness of our transformation in His presence. This gives us hope and encourages us to purify our hearts and live according to His will. (1 John 3:1–3).
In today’s Gospel, Jesus presents the Beatitudes as a guide to holiness. He teaches us to be poor in spirit, merciful, pure in heart, peaceful and willing to endure difficulties for the sake of righteousness. These qualities reflect the life of Christ and show us how to become His faithful disciples. Holiness is expressed not merely through prayer and religious observances but also through our daily acts of kindness, forgiveness, justice, compassion and love. (Matthew 5:1–12).
The saints were ordinary people who responded generously to God’s extraordinary grace. Their lives teach us that we can become holy wherever we are: in our families, workplaces, parishes and communities. As Saint Teresa of Calcutta reminds us, we should do ordinary things with extraordinary love. Every sincere act of service can become an opportunity to glorify God.
The Solemnity of All Saints invites each of us to examine our lives. Are we living according to the Beatitudes? Do we forgive others, care for the vulnerable, speak the truth and share our blessings with those in need? The journey to sainthood begins with these daily choices.
Let us, therefore, follow the example of the saints and strive to become more like Christ. With God’s grace and the prayers of the saints, may we remain faithful to our Christian vocation and one day share in the eternal joy of heaven. All Saints of God, pray for us. Amen.
Fr. Cornelius Nwaogwugwu, CM