Often the evangelical christian community there is a lot of discussion this time of year about how and what we should do around Oct 31st. My goals is not to get into the fray on this debate but to talk about the day after - Nov 1st. Check out this video and then read on.
In the Catholic tradition Nov. 1st is called "All Saints Day". It is a day that is set aside to celebrate those that have gone through the process to become recognized saints in the Catholic church. This is a long process that involves multiple steps to reach this "higher" level and few attain it.
But the term "saint" in the New Testament is not reserved for a elite christian, those spiritual superheros but for "all us saints."
Look at Ephesians 1:1. . .
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus: ESV Ephesians 1:1
Paul is writing to a church full of people at all different levels of their spiritual growth. I am sure it included people that had followed Jesus for years and those that were new christians. This was not some extra-spiritual group. In fact Paul goes on to use this title for the people in ephesus another 8 times in the book.
So what does that mean? And why use that title? Because it tell us something about how God relates to us now that we are forgiven. You see, when you follow Christ and accept his sacrafice for sin God sees you through Christ-colored glasses. Instead of seeing the sin that is in you and that you still struggle with He sees Christ and because of Christ you are holy. That is what "saint" means. It could be translated "holy ones". So we are all who trust in the cross for forgiveness of sins are saints.
What I love about the video above is that it reminds me of two important things that go with being a saint. First, I carry that title not out of pride, but out of humility. I have no boast or credit for a holy life, that credit is fully and completely Christs'. Secondly, being a saint also doesn't mean the elimination of pain, hurt, or loss (in fact it may increase). But it does mean that our life and pespective on life is radically altered as we struggle between the now (with a struggle with sin and life) and the not yet.