Living Faith and Hope: Called to Be Saints

Devotional

Day 1: The Promise of Eternal Life Through Faith in Jesus

Jesus assures us that everyone who comes to Him will not be rejected, and that it is the will of the Father that none should be lost but all should be raised up on the last day. This promise is not based on our worthiness, but on the gift of God’s mercy and the simple act of believing in Him. Even when doubts or feelings of unworthiness arise, we are invited to trust in the steadfast love and faithfulness of Christ, who came not to do His own will but the will of the Father, offering us the hope of resurrection and everlasting life. [19:02]

John 6:37-40 (ESV)
“All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”

Reflection: In what area of your life do you most struggle to believe that Jesus will never reject you? How can you bring that doubt honestly to Him in prayer today?

Day 2: Called to Be Saints—A Life Beyond the Ordinary

We are not only called to remember the saints who have gone before us, but to aspire to join their ranks by living lives of holiness and devotion. This calling is not reserved for a select few, but is the invitation for every believer to move beyond apathy and the ordinary, to become light for the world and to put real energy and intention—“oomph”—into our faith and love. Holiness is not about perfection, but about responding to God’s call with enthusiasm, gratitude, and a willingness to love as He loves. [26:44]

1 Peter 1:15-16 (ESV)
“But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’”

Reflection: What is one ordinary habit or attitude you can infuse with “oomph” today, turning it into an act of love or devotion?

Day 3: The Fullness of Charity—Love Plus Enthusiasm

True devotion is not just a matter of faith or duty, but the union of love and enthusiasm, what Francis de Sales called “the fullness of charity.” God’s love for us is not mild or slow, but wild and passionate, and we are invited to imitate that love in our relationships and daily actions. When we love with energy and sincerity, we reflect the heart of God and become instruments of His grace in the world. [23:55]

Romans 12:10-11 (ESV)
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.”

Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience not just your love, but your love with “oomph”? How can you show them that today?

Day 4: The Gift of God’s Mercy

No matter how unworthy we may feel, God’s mercy is an amazing gift freely offered to all who seek it. We are encouraged to pause, look inward, and ask for forgiveness, rejoicing in the assurance that God’s mercy is greater than our failures. This mercy is not only for ourselves, but is meant to be shared with others, as we forgive and extend grace in our own lives. [08:08]

Psalm 103:10-12 (ESV)
“He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.”

Reflection: Is there a specific area where you need to receive God’s mercy today? How can you let go of self-condemnation and accept His forgiveness?

Day 5: Living the Resurrection Hope

The hope of resurrection is not wishful thinking, but the anchor of our faith—a promise that life is changed, not ended, and that an eternal dwelling awaits all who trust in Christ. This hope consoles us in our grief, strengthens us in our journey, and calls us to live with our eyes fixed on the life to come, even as we serve and love in the present. We are united with all the saints, past and present, in this hope that transforms how we live and how we face death. [39:34]

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (ESV)
“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.”

Reflection: How does the hope of resurrection shape the way you approach loss, grief, or uncertainty today? What would it look like to live with that hope more fully?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gather in the spirit of All Saints Day, a time to honor all the holy ones who have gone before us and to reflect on our own calling to holiness. This day, rooted in humility and reverence, invites us to look inward, to seek forgiveness, and to rejoice in the boundless mercy of God. Jesus came not to do His own will, but the will of the Father, and He assures us that everyone who comes to Him will not be rejected. The promise of resurrection and eternal life is not a distant fantasy, but the very anchor of our faith—a hope that sustains us as we remember those who have departed and as we look forward to being united with them in Christ.

The Gospel from John reminds us that the will of the Father is that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have eternal life. Belief is not a one-time act, but a continual journey, often marked by our own sense of unworthiness. Yet, it is precisely in our weakness that God’s gift of faith is given. We are called not just to believe, but to believe with enthusiasm—with “oomph.” This simple word captures the spirit of devotion described by Francis de Sales: love plus enthusiasm. Our faith and love are meant to be lived out with energy and sincerity, not just as routine or obligation.

Reflecting on the innocence and excitement of children, we are reminded that our faith should not be apathetic or ordinary. We are called to be light to the world, to go beyond the minimum, and to put real life into our faith and love. This is the path to sainthood—not perfection, but a wholehearted response to God’s call. As we profess our faith, receive the sacraments, and pray for one another, we are united with all the saints and with Christ Himself, who makes us holy and gathers us into one body. May we imitate God’s wild, uncontainable love, and may our lives be marked by the fullness of charity and devotion as we strive to become saints.

Key Takeaways

1. The Call to Sainthood Is for Everyone Holiness is not reserved for a select few, but is the destiny to which every believer is called. We honor the saints not as distant, unattainable figures, but as examples and companions on our own journey. Our lives, with all their imperfections, are meant to be transformed by God’s grace as we respond to His call with humility and hope. [07:53]
2. Faith Is Anchored in the Promise of Resurrection The belief in eternal life and resurrection is not wishful thinking, but the foundation of Christian hope. Even as we mourn those who have gone before us, we are sustained by the assurance that life is changed, not ended, and that Christ will raise us up on the last day. This hope shapes how we live and how we face loss. [20:43]
3. Belief Requires Continual Effort and Openness Faith is not a static possession, but a dynamic relationship with God that requires ongoing effort. Doubts and feelings of unworthiness are part of the journey, but God’s gift is given to those who simply keep believing and striving. Our task is to keep saying “yes” to God, even when we feel inadequate. [21:47]
4. Devotion Means Love with Enthusiasm—With “Oomph” True devotion is not just about duty or routine, but about infusing our faith and love with energy and sincerity. As Francis de Sales teaches, love plus enthusiasm leads to the fullness of charity. Bringing “oomph” to our prayers, relationships, and service transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary and reflects the passionate love of God. [25:36]
5. We Are Called to Be Light in the World Through Action Our calling is not just to believe, but to act—to be light in a world that often settles for apathy or indifference. This means putting real life into our faith and love, letting our actions and attitudes reflect the hope and joy of the Gospel. In doing so, we honor those who have gone before us and fulfill our vocation as saints-in-the-making.

** [26:44]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[07:37] - All Saints Day: Meaning and Invitation
[08:08] - Seeking Forgiveness and Rejoicing in Mercy
[08:26] - Christ’s Mission and God’s Will
[09:31] - Prayer for the Departed and Hope of Resurrection
[19:02] - Gospel Reading: John 6 and the Promise of Eternal Life
[20:23] - Remembering the Faithful Departed
[21:06] - The Bread of Life and the Call to Believe
[22:24] - Lessons from Children: Faith and Enthusiasm
[23:31] - Francis de Sales and the Fullness of Charity
[24:12] - The Challenge of Love Without Hate
[25:17] - The Power of “Oomph” in Faith and Love
[26:44] - Called to Be Saints: Living Beyond the Ordinary
[28:19] - Profession of Faith
[29:49] - Prayers for Holiness and the Church
[39:19] - The Hope of Resurrection and Eternal Life
[41:24] - Eucharistic Prayer and Communion
[59:58] - Final Blessing and Sending Forth

Bible Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: All Saints Day – The Call to Holiness with “Oomph”

Bible Reading

John 6:37-40 (ESV)
> All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.

Observation Questions

According to John 6:37-40, what does Jesus promise to those who come to Him and believe in Him?
In the sermon, what does the pastor say is the “anchor of our faith” when we remember those who have died? [[20:43]]
How does the sermon describe the way we are supposed to believe—not just as a one-time act, but as what kind of journey? [[21:47]]
What simple word does the pastor use to describe the kind of enthusiasm we should bring to our faith and love? [[25:17]]

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says that holiness is not just for a select few, but for everyone. What does it mean for ordinary people to be called to sainthood? [[07:53]]
The pastor mentions that faith is often marked by our own sense of unworthiness. Why might God choose to give the gift of faith especially in our weakness? [[22:06]]
The word “oomph” is used to describe how we should love and believe. What does it look like to add “oomph” to our faith and relationships? [[25:36]]
The sermon says that belief in resurrection is not just wishful thinking, but the foundation of Christian hope. How does this hope shape the way we live and face loss? [[20:43]]

Application Questions

The pastor says we are called to be saints, not just to honor saints from the past. What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to grow in holiness right now? [[07:53]]
When you think about your faith, do you tend to go through the motions, or do you bring real “oomph” and enthusiasm? What is one practical way you could add more energy or sincerity to your prayers or worship this week? [[25:36]]
The sermon talks about the innocence and excitement of children as an example for our faith. Is there a part of your faith that has become routine or apathetic? What would it look like to approach it with childlike excitement again? [[23:13]]
The pastor says that even when we feel unworthy, God’s gift of faith is still given. Is there a place in your life where you feel unworthy or inadequate? How can you keep saying “yes” to God in that area? [[22:06]]
The sermon challenges us to be light in the world through action, not just belief. What is one specific action you can take this week to let your faith shine in your family, workplace, or community? [[26:44]]
The pastor mentions praying for those who have gone before us and being united with them in Christ. Is there someone you want to remember or pray for this week? How does the hope of resurrection change the way you remember them? [[20:23]]
Francis de Sales is quoted as saying that love plus enthusiasm leads to the fullness of charity. Who in your life needs to experience that kind of love from you this week, and how can you show it? [[23:31]]

Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to pray for the grace to respond to God’s call to holiness with humility, hope, and “oomph”—and to remember with gratitude all the saints who have gone before us.

Sermon Clips

During those readings I was just thinking, you know, the times that I've been here over the years, how packed this place would be if everybody was still here. Rank upon rank. And of course it's our faith that in a very real way they're still with us. We believe in eternal life. We believe in the resurrection. And of course some just dismiss that as fantasy, wishful thinking, dreaminess. It's the anchor of our faith. [00:20:08]

Well, what do you have to do? Well, believe. Believe. Well, how do I know if I'm believing? Well, I just keep working at it. But I'm so unworthy. Oh, yes you are. this is the gift of God. If we just believe. [00:21:47]

Love plus enthusiasm makes for what Francis de Sales calls devotion. The fullness of charity. Do you have faith? I think so. You know, we'll profess our faith all together. Over and over we do that. Do you have love? I suppose so. [00:23:40]

One of his great lines is, in his talk was, you know you're in trouble if the people you hate are the same people God hates. Because who does God hate? Nobody. [00:24:12]

Would you give me an oomph please? Can you imagine what would happen to our world? What would happen to your life? Your family? Your relationships? If you got a little bit serious about oomph, I love you. You've said that before. But I love you with some oomph. Yes, Lord, I do believe. Yes, Lord, I do believe with some oomph. [00:25:24]

We can get into a pattern of the ordinary and even the apathetic. Why bother? Who really cares? We're called to be saints. We pray for those who've gone before us, grateful for their goodness, saddened by their passing. And we are called. We are called to be believers. We're called to be light to the world. [00:26:18]

And darn it, if we're gonna do that, we have to go beyond the ordinary and really put some life into our faith. It comes out in the Bible. It comes out in action. We have to put some life into our love. It comes out in action and attitude. [00:26:49]

So the next time you're praying to yourself a little bit, bring in that word, will you? Yes, Lord, I love you. Oomph. Yes, Lord, I do believe. Oomph. Yes, Lord, I will try again. Oomph. Because we are called to be saints. May God bless us all. [00:27:10]

Lord God, we are your people. You've created us in your own image and likeness and you've called us to nothing less than holiness. You've called us to become saints. [00:29:52]

Lord, we know you love us. We know you are love. May we appreciate anew that your love is not a mild, slow, easy love, but a wild one. Hear our prayers. May we imitate your love for us. [00:32:14]

In him the hope of blessed resurrection has dawned, that those saddened by the certainty of dying might be consoled by the promise of immortality to come. Indeed, for your faithful Lord, life is changed, not ended. And when this earthly dwelling turns to dust, an eternal dwelling is made ready for them in heaven. [00:39:22]

For through your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, by the power and working of the Holy Spirit, you give life to all things, and you make them holy. And you never cease to gather up people to yourself, so that from the rising of the sun to its setting a pure sacrifice may be offered to your name. [00:41:16]

May he make of us an eternal offering to you, so that we may obtain an inheritance with your elect, especially with the most blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, blessed Joseph, her spouse, your blessed apostles and glorious martyrs, and with all the saints, on whose constant intercession in your presence we rely for unfailing help. [00:44:08]

May this sacrifice of our reconciliation, we pray, O Lord, advance the peace and salvation of all the world. Be pleased to confirm in faith and charity your pilgrim church on earth, with your servant Leo, our pope, and Earl, our bishop, the order of bishops, all the clergy, and the entire people you've gained for your own. [00:44:34]

Listen graciously to the prayers of this family whom you've summoned before you. In your compassion, O merciful Father, gather to yourself all your children, scattered throughout the world, and to our departed brothers and sisters, to all who are pleasing to you at their passing from this life, give kind admittance to your kingdom. [00:45:02]

There we hope to enjoy forever the fullness of your glory, through Christ our Lord, through whom you bestow on the world all that is good. [00:45:24]

Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil. Graciously grant peace in our days, that by the help of your mercy we may be always free from sin, safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. [00:46:49]

The Lord Jesus Christ has said to your Apostles, Peace I leave you, my peace I give you. Look not on our sins, but on the faith of your church, and graciously grant her peace and unity in accordance with your will, who live and reign forever and ever. [00:47:13]

May Almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Go, announce the gospel of the Lord. Thanks be to God. [01:00:07]

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Living Faith and Hope: Called to Be Saints

Devotional

Day 1: The Promise of Eternal Life Through Faith in Jesus

Day 2: Called to Be Saints—A Life Beyond the Ordinary

Day 3: The Fullness of Charity—Love Plus Enthusiasm

Day 4: The Gift of God’s Mercy

Day 5: Living the Resurrection Hope

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Living Faith and Hope: Called to Be Saints

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