Ninety-Nine and a Half Won’t Do—A Homily for the Feast of All Saints

Msgr. Charles Pope provided a homily for the Feast of All Saints, addressing the nature of the saints and the reality of heaven. He noted that while some saints are recognized by name on the liturgical calendar, the feast also honors the countless multitude of faithful who are known to God.

Pope used a reading from Revelation to describe the saints as a group from every nation and language standing before the throne of God. He observed that the description of heaven in this text is highly liturgical, suggesting that the Mass serves as a rehearsal for heavenly worship. He contrasted this liturgical view of heaven with modern conceptions that focus on personal leisure or the absence of sickness.