Years ago, there was an old priest in my Queens parish who loved All Souls’ Day. “It’s one of my favorite holy days,” he’d say. “It’s the one where I feel I actually have a shot.”
That’s the blessing of this day: It reminds us, after we’ve honored All Saints’ Day, that there is room for the rest of us—the weak, the hurting, the sinning, the imperfect souls struggling to attain salvation. All of us. In the Gospel, Jesus reassures us: “This is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life” (v. 40).
Our job is to try and make that a reality. In the musical “Hamilton,” the title character dreams about his ambitions and sings how he won’t throw away his shot either. When it comes to our salvation, none of us should! This holy day challenges us to aim higher and dream bigger. Hold on to the message of this moment: We all have a shot.
Didn't have to think too much about the devotion title, Deacon Greg. I knew where you were going with the theme within the first few words. If anyone had the chance to see Hamilton, you know it was a very important part of the storyline. We all have a shot. We are all entitled to salvation. Saints or sinners, who do we chose to be.
Deacon Greg, I just loved this. Thank you for the reflection and for reminding me of my worth in God’s eyes. I have a shot!!! Praying for all of you today and for those that you are praying for - that are in need of our help. Lastly, remembering all of the saints that have been a part of my life that have lifted me on my journey and been a source of light. Amen.
It does not matter how I feel whether I have a shot or not because it is not up to me! I have more than a shot when my Salvation does not depend on me, It is all because of Who God is and what He has done - His blessed assurance in John 6:37, 39-40, “Everyone the Father gives Me will come to Me… I will never send away anyone who comes to Me. The One Who sent Me doesn’t want Me to lose anyone He has given Me. He wants Me to raise them up on the last day. My Father wants all who look to the Son and believe in Him to have eternal life. I will raise them up on the last day.” *** By faith through His mercy, grace and power to receive this Salvation in 1 Peter 1:3-5, “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by His great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And through your faith, God is protecting you by Hs power until you receive this Salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.” *** Through faith and patience in Hebrews 6:11-12, “And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” *** Believe in the Name of Jesus in 1 John 5:13, “I’m writing these things to you who believe in the Name of the Son of God. I’m writing so you will know that you have eternal life.” ******* The Good News in Romans 6:6-8, 11, 14, “We know that what we used to be was nailed to the cross with Him. That happened so our bodies that were ruled by sin would lose their power. So we are no longer slaves of sin. That’s because those who have died have been set free from sin. We died with Christ. So we believe that we will also live with Him. In the same way, consider yourselves to be dead as far as sin is concerned. Now you believe in Christ Jesus. So consider yourselves to be alive as far as God is concerned. Sin will no longer control you like a master. That’s because the law does not rule you. God’s grace has set you free.” Amen!!!
Thank you for this profound reflection, Salina...it gives us all hope
Thank you Deacon Greg for that wonderful reminder of hope. I was fortunate enough to hear Deacon Greg speak at a recent Eucharistic Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina. Excellent speaker. If anyone gets the chance to hear him, I encourage you to. Thank you for your words of wisdom on that day, and also for your contributions to the Living Faith Family. God bless
Deacon Greg thank you for your comments this morning being born in Astoria it brings back memories of my early childhood. Saint of the day. "Do not be afraid to be saints. Follow Jesus christ, who is the source of freedom and light. Be open to the Lord so that He may lighten all your ways." Saint John Paul the Great Living faith family went to a different church for Mass yesterday morning. What a surprise! Elementary school students started marching in dressed in costumes. Took me a while to figure they were dressed up as Saints, touching for feast day. At the end of Mass priest (same one who visited my class Sunday at another church) asked the students to come up and tell what Saints they were. Then i also told what that Saint was the patron of. Please keep praying for the souls in purgatory and those souls who have no one to pray for them Ken
Love this Ken. Great day!
I love the readings and my new perspective on this day: I have a shot! I have hope! I have Jesus!!
Lord, please hear our continued prayers for those grieving the losses of the saints they have experienced on the journey of their lives, their family, friends and extended community. Also our continued petitions for the Ukraine, Russia, the Middle East, the Sudan, and all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
Amen. Their suffering is constantly in my prayers. Thanks for this reflection.
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Help me Jesus to help those who need to find You Amen Amen Amen