On the first of November we celebrate the feast of All Saints, we honour in a special way the ‘little’ saints, that is those who will never be officially canonised. The saints show us what human beings are capable of. They show us that good is more natural to us than evil. It is good to be reminded that human beings have such potential.

In Matthew’s Gospel 10:26-33 when Jesus sent the apostles out to proclaim his teaching openly and to witness to him before the world, he knew they were fearful. And had good reason to be fearful, knowing that they would have to face hardship and persecution. So, not once but three times he said to them, ‘Do not be afraid’.