The example of the saints encourages us to follow in their footsteps and to experience the joy of those who trust in God, for the one true cause of sorrow and unhappiness is to live far from him.

Holiness demands a constant effort, but it is possible for everyone because, rather than a human effort, it is first and foremost a gift of God, thrice Holy (cf. Is 6:3)….

It is God who loved us first and made us his adoptive sons in Jesus. Everything in our lives is a gift of his love: how can we be indifferent before such a great mystery? How can we not respond to the Heavenly Father’s love by living as grateful children? In Christ, he gave us the gift of his entire self and calls us to a personal and profound relationship with him.

—Excerpted from a homily from the Mass for All Saints Day, November 1, 2006.