In Buddhism, there are certain beings called bodhisattvas. They are men and women who have achieved enlightenment, which means that by deep meditation and uncountable acts of love towards other beings, they have become perfectly wise and infinitely compassionate. They could enter the perfect state of Nirvana and stay there forever. But instead they take a vow that they will wait until all beings are ready to enter Nirvana together. Until that day, they help everyone they can to achieve enlightenment, by sharing their wisdom and love.
I think of the saints in a similar way. They are people who have prayed and hoped, practised their faith and performed uncountable acts of love, until they have become exceptional followers of Christ. They could spend eternity in heaven, praying and praising God. Instead, we think of them as moving between heaven and earth, listening to the prayers of people like us, strengthening our faith, hope and love and helping us to become more saint-like in our turn.
Yesterday was All Saints’ Day, when we give thanks for the lives of all the saints and for the help they continue to give us. We are grateful for their love, their teaching and their example. The faith they share with us is a lifeline connecting us to heaven. We look forward to the day when their work will be done, and every one of us will join them in the eternal presence of God.
Teresa Morgan
(Professor for New Testament, Yale)
