All Saints Day

I have enjoyed following the liturgical calendar for many years. But I'm finding new meaning today in the celebration of the Eucharist and the note on the calendar that declares this day as a celebration for all saints - for the known and unknown who are now at rest.

On a day when I'm reading about the lives of precious women and men of God, and how they committed themselves to following the Way, I'm pressed again by how easy it is to be consumed with our daily mundane lives.

And I wonder how the saints lived in the small moments of their day. Were they feeding the sick and tending to the poor, as Blessed Teresa of Calcutta? Were they reading the scriptures and pondering on their meanings? Did they simply look up from tending the chickens and cows to notice the changing of the seasons? Did they leave those simple tasks to make their way to a church or a small grove, and offer up their songs of praise to the Creator of Heaven?

And then, as quickly as my mind lingers onto such lofty thoughts, with a sip of coffee, and a 'ping' on my computer, I'm consumed by the mundane and busyness of daily life.

Perhaps contemplation is best left to those who do not find technology so amusing :)

So, in an effort to make today a bit more productive, between finishing some laundry and writing a few emails, I'll try to find some good walking shoes and also try to take in an evening mass.

Humble prayer, hopefully. And a celebration, with thanksgiving, in the communion of the saints - on a special day of their remembrance.

May we pray for unity and also for renewal in Christ. Amen.