The Solemnity of All Saints

The Solemnity of All Saints

Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14; Psalm 24; 1 John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12a

All Saints homily on the occasion of full initiation rites for those who were to have been initiated at the Easter Vigil.

A little unnoticed detail in the story of the murder of Abel by his brother Cain offers us insight into the heart of God.

After God confronted Cain in regard to the murder, Cain objected to God that his punishment was too great to bear; that he would have to avoid the presence of God and become a restless wanderer on the earth and anyone could kill him at sight. Do you remember what God’s response was? God placed a mark on Cain and lest anyone should kill Cain they would be avenged sevenfold. 

God’s response? God protected Cain. God marked Cain as God’s own.

Marking what is our own has a varied and darker history among humans. Cattlemen have marked – branded – their animals. Humans have branded humans; slaves, prisoners, people we place in concentration camps.

Christians mark people as they set out on the journey to become a Christian: “I claim you for Christ our Saviour by the Sign of the Cross.”  The Sign of the Cross traced on the forehead has many levels of meaning. What meanings does it have for you when you mark yourself as we begin and conclude prayer? As we mark ourselves at poignant moments? When Michaela and Colby were accepted into the catechumenate to prepare for baptism, they were marked on their ears, eyes, chest, shoulder, hands and feet with the Sign of the Cross. During the baptism of infants the forehead, ears and mouth are marked.

How many parents regularly bless their children with the Sign of the Cross? Spouses, do you bless each other?

A simple gesture, a tracing touch on the forehead, a visible sign, filled with profound meaning. What does it mean to be marked or to see someone marked with the Cross of Jesus Christ?

God marked Cain. In the Book of Revelation angels are given the command to mark people with the seal of the living God. To be marked in such a way is to be claimed by God. This is not of our own doing but God’s free choice to claim and mark us as his own. For salvation comes from God. So even a murderer or a convicted thief being executed in earshot of Jesus can be chosen and protected by God. A deep reminder that we are God’s children and how much we are loved.

Michaela, Colby and Clara – everyone who comes up out of the waters of baptism – are God’s sons and daughters. This marking, this choice of the Eternal Father is confirmed by the Holy Spirit through olive oil – Holy Chrism – and the Blood of the Only – Begotten Son, Jesus Christ received at the Holy Table.

Colby, Clara, Michaela, and we, plunged/baptized into the death and resurrection of Jesus, are God’s children now. Let us live as children of the light marked by the Sign of the Cross!