Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV) “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”
All Saints Day is a special day in the Christian calendar, a day set aside to honor and remember the saints of God, both known and unknown. It is a time to reflect on the lives of those who have gone before us in the faith, those who have lived out their faith in extraordinary ways, and those who have been faithful in the ordinary moments of life. As we remember these saints, we are encouraged to fix our eyes on Jesus and run the race of faith with perseverance.
The Great Cloud of Witnesses
The author of the Book of Hebrews speaks of a “great cloud of witnesses” that surrounds us. These witnesses are the saints of God, the faithful men and women who have gone before us, who have left a legacy of faith and devotion. They are like a cheering crowd in a stadium, urging us on as we run the race of faith. Their lives inspire us and remind us of the power of God’s grace to transform ordinary people into extraordinary saints.
The Apostle Paul, with his tireless missionary journeys and unshakable faith, is among the saints we remember. St. Augustine, with his theological insights, and St. Teresa of Avila, with her deep contemplative spirituality, are also part of this cloud of witnesses. But we must not forget that the cloud of witnesses includes not only the famous saints but also the countless unsung heroes of the faith, the everyday people who have quietly and faithfully followed Jesus.
Throwing Off What Hinders
The author of Hebrews encourages us to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.” Just as athletes strip off excess weight and distractions to run more efficiently, we must let go of anything that hinders our spiritual progress. It may be the weight of sin, doubt, fear, or even busyness. All Saints Day is a time to reflect on our lives and identify what we need to release in order to run the race with endurance.
Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus
All Saints Day is not just about remembering the saints of the past but also about fixing our eyes on Jesus, “the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” He is the one who blazed the trail of faith, and he is the one who empowers us to live out our faith in the present. As we remember the saints, we are reminded that they were not perfect but were made perfect through their faith in Christ. It is in Christ that we find our hope, strength, and the ability to persevere in our journey of faith.
All Saints Day is a beautiful reminder that the journey of faith is not solitary; it is a shared experience with those who have gone before us. As we remember the saints of God, both known and unknown, we are encouraged to throw off what hinders us and fix our eyes on Jesus. Let us be inspired by their examples and, by God’s grace, continue the race marked out for us, knowing that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses who cheer us on. May we, like them, become saints who reflect the love and grace of our Savior, Jesus Christ.