Reflection - Saints

By Steve Hall

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110120.cfm
Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14
Matthew 5:1-12

Until Adam came along no one really noticed the problem — at least not enough to do anything about it. But finally God noticed. “Then the LORD God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.’” (Genesis2:18)

Since that time, the problem of man-in-isolation has intrigued every subsequent generation. Both novels and film have taken an interest, probably because the very notion of human isolation taps an underlying fear in the human psyche. Robinson Crusoe premises such a story on one man, being the sole survivor of a shipwreck, and finding himself marooned on an island. In my youth there was a movie titled Robinson Crusoe on Mars about a lone astronaut trying to survive on the planet Mars. More recent imitators of DeFoe’s original story would have to include Castaway, Gravity and The Martian. But even this list could not be considered complete without adding The Bride of Frankenstein which, intentionally or not, duplicated the loneliness of Adam and the concern of God found in Genesis. Consequently, Dr Frankenstein proceeded to make for his monster a helper fit for him. 

Though various people have learned to deal with solitude in different ways it is still considered an extreme form of punishment for criminals while simultaneously being embraced by the hermit. The three children of Fatima were separated one from another in hopes of getting at least one to change their story. Even the Scriptures recount a similar ploy. Susanne is falsely accused in the book of Daniel, but Daniel saves her by having the accusers isolated from one another in telling their story. Our current affliction, which the government euphemistically calls ‘safer at home’ has driven some to despair and even suicide. It has caused others to ignore serious medical conditions or medical treatments. And many of us know the emptiness which is occasioned by the necessary absence of a spouse.

We rely on the support of one another as we journey through life. In any case being alone is not something most people desire either for extended periods or in difficult situations. Who wants to find themselves isolated in the depths of the jungle, in a ‘haunted’ house, in an encounter with an enemy or in any similar situation? Still, we go about the business of life with seldom a thought for how much we depend upon others, at least until life experiences narrow our attention and awareness.

By chance or the grace of God (I prefer the latter) I confused the daily readings for which I was to write a reflection. So pumpkins gave way to Saints — All Saints that is. It’s an interesting feast day, though I suspect it’s perceived as a designated time to reflect on good people from the past. Nothing could be further from the truth. Sure, the ‘saints’ who normally get our attention are the ones who have died and been declared ‘saints’ by the Church. But as long as our attention is focused on dead people we will miss the point. First of all because these people are not dead; they are alive in Christ. But secondly because they are with us now. Unfortunately, our awareness of them as being intrinsic to our spiritual lives is even more profoundly overlooked than our awareness of those still physically on earth as being intrinsic to our physical lives.

There are, of course, a few exceptions.

Mislaid or lost items always call forth a prayer to St. Anthony in our family. He never fails to help out, and that usually within a short period of time. But others come to mind as well. If we really pay attention to St. Valentine we find an ever present teaching about how essential it is to show and express our love for others. Similarly, St Nicholas is readily present (even though sometimes distorted in his imagery) to guide our sense of sharing with others. We treat these Saints as part of our holiday rather than as part of our holyday.

They are as ready to assist as St. Anthony if we but ask. The currently subdued devotion to St Christopher was and is another example of the presence of Saints in our lives. Some still call upon his protection while traveling. And it is worth recalling that all the rest of them are as willing to be spiritual guides to those who call upon them as are Anthony, Valentine, Nicholas and Christopher.

I would be remiss, however, if I failed to mention certain other Saints upon whom I spiritually depend every day. Many of these people would be embarrassed if I mentioned them by name; but they are the ones who support me in my spiritual endeavors, who exemplify what I am yet to spiritually become, who shine forth with the light of Christ in their daily lives yet, whose personal humility prevents them from sensing the brightness of their light for others.

On the feast of All Saints we gather because we are part of ALL SAINTS. We are one in Christ and we share a profound fellowship with saints both living and ‘dead’.