November is a soulful spiritual month in the Catholic heart. How could it not be, when the first day recognizes saints and the second day remembers souls?

November begins with saints. We honor the men and women we believe are exemplars of lives well lived. They remind us, our life mission is simply to love God above all things in our own unique way. Like Saint Francis, who taught peace and simplicity. Saint Joseph, who demonstrated unmitigated devotion to Mary and Jesus. Saint Therese of Lisieux, who invited us to do little things with great love and who inspired Saint Teresa of Calcutta, who loved the dirty, dying poor as if each one was her precious child. Saint Maximilian Kolbe, who in the concentration camp said, “Let me take the place to die for this man. He has a family.” Or Saint Mary, Mother of God, who simply said, yes, her fiat, to love, no matter the cost.

The month moves into the second day, remembering the souls who we have known, loved and lost from this world. We stand with those who grieve, who so bravely move on though the way is difficult, the time disorienting and the nights lonely. They do it for the sake of those who are left. The bereaved embody what courage means – to know no light but move forward because all we have is the next step, the next day, and for the sake of the gift of life they still have.

The month moves forward darkening. The days become shorter. The air chills. The colors of October literally fall and we are faced with the reality of the memory of winter reawakening. Between us and summer, there are boots, driving in the snow and even shorter days. But as beings of hope we begin to open our mind and heart to the unique gifts of the coming season- holiday lights making up for the natural darkness, the wonder of a white snow filled morning, a cup of hot chocolate and the cozy lure of warm homes and the peace of restful long nights.

And just when you think, “Yikes, winter is going to be long and cold,” the secular world calls out and says, “Wait. Give thanks for all you have been given!” And we collectively, as a people, count our blessings. One by one we remember all we have been given- family who treasure us, home to shelter us, food to sustain us, friends to remind us to laugh. We give thanks for the Christian community who faithfully tell the story of a God who loved us so, born in poverty, with only the love of a young mother and a loyal stepfather to survive in this world. That is a God who exemplifies radical trust.

Finally, on the last day of this month we begin Advent, waiting in joyful hope to remember, above all else, God who loved us into being, lived so we can become saints here on earth and one day souls together in the Kingdom of peace and justice.

Know I wish you and your family the soul and grace of these days. May this Thanksgiving be a celebration of all God’s generous blessings in your life.