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 sinful lives until they encountered Jesus. They suddenly 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: Praise Jesus, Who opened heaven so that all are invited to partake of the Heavenly Feast.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Daniel E. Pilarczyk, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 21, 2005
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