VATICAN CITY, NOV. 1, 2006 (Zenit.org).- The community of saints isn't an exclusive "caste of elect," says Benedict XVI, but rather the destination of all who are willing to follow Christ.
The Pope said this today in his homily during the Mass for All Saints' Day, celebrated in St. Peter's Basilica.
The Holy Father said that the Church celebrates on this day "the baptized of every age and nation who have sought to accomplish the divine will with love and fidelity."
Through this liturgical solemnity, the Pontiff continued, the Church "recognizes her characteristic traits and precisely in them she savors her deepest joy."
Benedict XVI said that the saints have nothing to gain from the celebration, but it is rather the pilgrim Church that benefits: "Gazing upon the luminous example of the saints the great desire to be like the saints is awakened in us.
"Being a saint means living close to God, living in his family. And this is the vocation of all of us, vigorously reaffirmed by the Second Vatican Council."
Getting there
To achieve sainthood, the Holy Father said that "it is above all necessary to listen to Jesus and then to follow him and not lose heart in the face of difficulties."
"He knows in fact that whoever tries to keep his life for himself will lose it and whoever gives his life, in this way, finds life," the Pope said referring to the Gospel of John.
Benedict XVI continued: "The experience of the Church demonstrates that, although they take different paths, all forms of holiness must always pass through the way of the cross, the way of self-denial.
"The example of the saints encourages us to follow in their footsteps, to experience the joy of those who entrust themselves to God, because the only cause of sadness is to live far from him."
"Holiness demands a constant effort, but it is possible for all since it is not just the work of man but is above all a gift of God, who is thrice holy," the Pontiff said referring to the Book of Isaiah.
The Bishop of Rome added: "The biographies of the saints depict men and women who, always docile to divine designs, sometimes endured indescribable sufferings, persecutions and martyrdom. They persevered in their task."
A response
Above all, continued Benedict XVI, the foundation of sanctity is to recognize that life is a gift from God given out of love.
"How is it possible to remain indifferent before so great a mystery?" he asked. "How is it possible to not respond to the love of the heavenly Father by leading a life of grateful children?
"Loving always means an act of self-denial, 'losing oneself,' and it is in this way that we become happy."
We find the road to happiness by following Christ, the Pope said. It is the path of "death and resurrection, of the passion and the joy of the resurrection."
"In the measure that we accept his proposal and follow him -- everyone according to his own circumstances -- we too can participate in his beatitude," the Pontiff said. "With him the impossible becomes possible ... with his help, only with his help, we are able to become perfect as the heavenly Father is perfect."
ZE06110103 - 2006-11-01
Permalink: http://www.zenit.org/article-18064?l=english
Pope Sees Sanctity as a Universal Task
Following of Christ Is "Road to Happiness"
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