whitewashed
“These are the ones who have survived the great period of trial; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” —Revelation 7:14
Some saints led very sinful lives. When they encountered the Lord, they realized the Lord’s holiness and their own sinfulness. They confessed their sins, repented deeply, and changed their lives permanently.
Some saints were called to the ultimate witness: laying down their lives for Jesus in martyrdom. “They were stoned, sawed in two, put to death at sword’s point” (Heb 11:37). “All of these died in faith” (Heb 11:13) because “they were searching for a better, a heavenly home” (Heb 11:16).
Some saints lived obscure lives of faithfulness and holiness. They died to themselves, picked up their cross, and followed daily in the footsteps of Jesus. As disciples of Jesus, they rose early to pray (Mk 1:35) and prayed long into the night (Lk 6:12). Their intercession and redemptive suffering stopped wars, brought healing and reconciliation, and built up the kingdom of God.
Some saints are still under construction. Some saints are those of you reading this page. You endure periods of trial (Rv 7:14), but live lives of “hope based on” Jesus (1 Jn 3:3). You have given your lives to Jesus and have been washed clean in the waters of Baptism and in “the blood of the Lamb” (Rv 7:14). Saints alive, praise Jesus now and forever with the communion of saints!
Prayer: Father, may my life result in many thousands of people praising You forever in heaven.
Promise: “Be glad and rejoice, for your reward is great in heaven.” —Mt 5:12
Praise: Today we salute the canonized, the beatified, and the venerable. Each honored God through heroic virtue and charity. All holy men and women, pray for us!
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from October 1, 2021 through November 30, 2021. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Vicar General, Chancellor, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 14, 2021"
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.