Sts. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus

Today is the feast of two saints, leading Jewish men who lived at the same time as Jesus. Both had their reputations in the community to consider, and yet both were drawn by the power and wisdom of Jesus' message.
Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus both showed courage when it was called for- Nicodemus in defending Jesus to his fellow religious leaders, and Joseph in requesting Jesus' body for burial from Pilate, the local political leader.

Sometimes it's easy to be a Christian. Sometimes, in ways large and small, it can be a challenge. Sometimes, you can find subtle ways to get around the obstacles (like Nicodemus, visiting with Jesus at night). Other times, nothing less than speaking truth to power (and understanding and accepting the potential consequences) is required.

Suddenly, I'm reminded of the popular "Serenity Prayer":

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. (Reinhold Niebuhr) Joseph and Nicodemus, pray for us!

All Saints' Day

Today is the solemnity (high priority feast, in other words) of All Saints - the day on which we celebrate all those who live now with God.

The saints in heaven are celebrated for what we are all called to be: fully human, fully ourselves. If we believe we are made in God's image and likeness, each of us can be holy by being true to who we are in our essence. Saints come from every nation, exhibit a wide variety of personality traits and backgrounds, and share one thing in common: a love for God that permeates their (our) actions and thoughts.

These images are from the tapestries by John Nava in the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles.

Brief reminders:  

• This evening (Sunday November 1) is the talk at St. Thomas More in Chapel Hill by the author of "My Cousin the Saint". 
• On Monday evening November 2, there will be a 7:00pm mass at St. Andrew's to celebrate the Feast of All Souls, remembering those who have died, and in a special way all who have died within this past year.