Will you cast aside your cloaks and respond to Christ’s invitation?
In St. Mark’s Gospel, on this 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time, we encounter a
powerful moment of faith and transformation. A blind man, hearing Jesus’ call, is
urged by the crowd: “Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you.” He
immediately throws aside his cloak, springs up, and approaches Jesus. This vivid
image invites us to consider our responses to God’s call in our lives.The shedding of the blind man’s cloak symbolizes the shedding of past
limitations, fears, and identities that may hold us back. We often carry cloaks of
doubt, sin, and distraction that prevent us from fully embracing the grace and
calling of God. This week, as we prepare for the Feast of All Saints, we are
reminded of the transformative power of faith. The Saints, maybe our
grandparents, parents, and friends, demonstrated that ordinary lives can reflect
extraordinary faith through God’s blessings. Their lives inspire us to cast aside
our cloaks and respond courageously to God’s call.The Feast of All Saints is a joyful celebration of those who have lived out
their faith and are now in Heaven, interceding for us. These Saints, both
canonized and not canonized, remind us that holiness is not reserved for a select
few but is attainable for all, making us feel included and part of a larger
community. Each Saint’s story is a testament to the grace of God working
through human lives, showing us the beauty of following God’s divine will.As we approach the Feast of All Souls, we focus on honoring those who
have passed away. This day is not merely a time for mourning but a celebration
of life and love – a day to remember the departed with gratitude and to offer our
prayers for them. Our prayers, especially for those being purified, are acts of
love, and affirm our belief in the communion of Saints. We are reminded that our
connections transcend earthly existence; our loved ones continue to be part of
our lives, guiding and encouraging us from beyond. As we remember those we
have lost, we can take comfort in knowing that our loving remembrance and
prayers help guide them toward the peace and rest of God’s presence.Dear brothers and sisters, as we celebrate the Feast of All Saints and
remember our departed loved ones this week, let us reflect on our calls to action.
Like the blind man, may we be willing to cast aside our cloaks and respond to
Christ’s invitation. Let us live our lives in a manner that honors the legacy of the
Saints and the memory of those who have gone before us. In doing so, we
participate in the ongoing narrative of God’s love, grace, and hope, uniting our
hearts in a shared journey toward the promise of eternal life. May we be inspired
to live courageously, embracing every opportunity to respond to God’s call.Fr. Dominic Toan Tran, Pastor