All Saints Day is not just a day to honor those who have attained sainthood; it is also a day to reflect on our call to follow Jesus and strive to live as His disciples, emulating the lives of the saints.

The late Trappist monk, Thomas Merton, was once asked, "How does one become a saint?" There are many answers to that question: most notably, proof of a miracle and living a holy life. Technically, one is not made a saint by the Church; instead, the Church recognizes the sanctity of that person's life and the belief that they are in heaven.

However, sainthood is the byproduct of sorts of a larger goal: to know and love God with all our hearts, minds, and souls. This strong and pure desire is something each of us is called to possess, and those who live out that passion in every aspect of their lives attain the byproduct of sainthood.

Sanctity is something we should all strive for in our lives. The lives of the saints, whom we celebrate today and throughout the year, serve as models of inspiration in our pursuit of unity with God.

Let us pray that the saints will be examples of holiness for us and that their lives will inspire us to truly live as God's holy people.