"Calling the saints to mind..."

"...inspires, or rather arouses in us,
above all else,
a longing to enjoy their company,
so desirable in itself.

"We long to share in the citizenship of heaven,
to dwell with the spirits of the blessed,
to join the assembly of patriarchs,
the ranks of the prophets,
the council of apostles,
the great host of martyrs,
the noble company of confessors
and the choir of virgins.

"In short,
we long to be united in happiness
with all the saints."
from a sermon by St. Bernard
(Office of the Readings)