Solemnity of All Saints

Scientists have been sending signals into the cosmos, hoping for a response from some intelligent being on some lost planet. Yet even if inhabitants outside of the solar system existed, communication with them would be impossible, because between the question and the answer, millions of years would pass. Even if we could send a message that traveled a light speed.  The Church has always maintained a dialogue with the inhabitants of another world -- the saints.  Here, though, the answer is immediate because there is a common center of communication and encounter, and that is the risen Christ (from Rainiero Cantalamessa).  St. Bernard of Clairvaux said this:  "But I tell you, when I think of them, I feel myself inflamed by a tremendous yearning. Calling the saints to mind inspires, or rather arouses in us, above all else, a longing to enjoy their company, so desirable in itself. We long to share in the citizenship of heaven, to dwell with the spirits of the blessed, … we long to be united in happiness with all the saints." A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Lyncroft centre in Toronto. More meditations on www.youtube.com/ericnicolai Music: Handel's opera Rinaldo, aria, "Lascia ch'io pianga", guitar played by Bert Alink.