All Saints Day November 1, 2018
Reflection on the WORD
Beatitudes: In today’s Gospel, Jesus presents a “vision” of how one can live the faith radically. For those who are blessed to “see” and embrace the “vision of God”, they will have the spiritual strength and hope to withstand the trials and tribulations of living the Faith of Jesus with fidelity. How have you been living your faith?
Mt 5:2b-12a
This is what Jesus taught his disciples:
‘How blessed are the poor in spirit: the kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
Blessed are the gentle: they shall have the earth as inheritance.
Blessed are those who mourn: they shall be comforted.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for uprightness: they shall have their fill.
Blessed are the merciful: they shall have mercy shown them.
Blessed are the pure in heart: they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers: they shall be recognised as children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted in the cause of uprightness: the kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
‘Blessed are you when people abuse you and persecute you and speak all kinds of calumny against you falsely on my account.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.’
Today's Pointers on God's Word
As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?
- It is apt to read Jesus’ Beatitudes on All Saints Day. They capture the essence of how we as followers of Jesus, like the saints and martyrs, are to live our faith daily.
- Jesus is challenging us to be aware and expect that, we too would be misunderstood and persecuted because of Him, like His saints and martyrs.
- However, our consolations are that we are assured that Jesus will always be there with us in our trials, and our reward will be great in heaven if we persevere and chose life with Jesus.