Fr. Rick’s Gospel Reflection for the All Saint’ Day

November 1, 2025, Matthew 5:1-12a

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110125.cfm

Being with God in Ordinary Events

There are moments when I read or hear about a saint in heaven, and I find myself thinking, “I wish I could be like that.” But then, I often dismiss the thought as an unattainable aspiration, something that’s impossible for me. Yet, as I reflect further, I realize that even the saints may have had similar thoughts at some point in their lives.

But they did something that I am just beginning to discover: They had a canny way to live fully in the present and be their best selves. I realize I can’t do that without God because I am too weak. For example, I think of how frustrating it can be when I’m working on the computer and it isn’t cooperating —or, worse, I am writing a document, homily, email, whatever, and for some reason I lose it. I waste so much time! Unbelievable.

Then I recall reading about St. Maximilian Kolbe, a Polish priest who, during World War II, was taken prisoner by the Nazis for hiding thousands of Jews, refugees fleeing persecution. A man escaped in July 1941, and ten men were chosen to starve in an underground bunker to discourage others from escaping.

You may recall how he replaced someone with a young family. The man cried, “My wife! My children!” Kolbe volunteered. After two weeks without food or water, he was the only survivor. A guard then executed him with a lethal injection on August 14 because they needed the bunker again.

I need to consider how our culture is allergic to sacrifice and addicted to comfort. How much I get caught up in that without realizing it. My little disappointments with the computer can be offered up for people around the world who are facing what Maximilian Kolbe faced. I can choose to make it a prayer for them, and when I do, my frustration always leaves.

Gospel Challenge:

A small sacrifice made out of love can be a powerful tool, filled with God’s grace, and used to help others, perhaps someone I know who is bearing a heavy cross. Saints, like us, seek God’s help to grow in joy and suffering. This realization empowers us to make a difference in others’ lives.

How good it is to be with God this moment with you. I thank him for it.

Love Your Neighbor!

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com