SUNDAY OF THE RIGHTEOUS AND JUST
Liturgical Notes:
 

Today the Maronite Church celebrates the Sunday of the Righteous and the Just. This is actually the traditional Maronite feast in honor of all the saints. Whereas the Latin Church celebrates the feast of All Saints on November 1st, the Maronite Church, following its ancient tradition dedicates this Sunday to their memory.

On this day we call to mind all the men and women, children of the Church, who have followed the path of justice and righteousness. We remember the prophets, apostles and martyrs, the hermits, ascetics, men and women religious, as well as all Christians who have lead holy lives.

As our liturgy so often reminds us, they are just in the sight of God because they have patterned their lives on Jesus Christ, the Just One.

The saints are our models; their prayers and fasting have taught us to fight against the sin and temptation and so gain the reward of righteousness.

The saints are our intercessors; by their prayers we obtain the pardon of our sins and are strengthened in the Christian virtues.

They were the salt of the earth and light of the world, they call us to follow their path. Through their intercession may we one day merit eternal life with God.