6 November 2013. All the Saints of Ireland
Island of Saints and Scholars
Zacchaeus is the star of today’s Gospel, the man who has been called ‘everybody’s favourite underdog’. Zacchaeus took Jesus at his word and changed his life. We worship God, whose mercy for all people never fails.
On All Saints Day and today, we remember all the dead, those in heaven and those still be on the way there: God alone knows where each soul is. Today we pray for all souls, for the faithful departed still on the journey to their heavenly home.
The Gospel story of the Pharisee and the tax collector is read at this Sunday’s Mass. It reminds us of the value of being humble before God. In today’s gathering, we praise God who is always merciful to us.
‘Growing in Faith’ is suggested as the theme for this year’s Mission Sunday, as the Year of Faith draws to a close. These words remind us that faith is God’s precious gift — a gift we can’t keep to ourselves.