The Solemnity of All Saints

Rev. 7:2-4.9-14, 1 Jn 3:1-3, Mt. 5:1-12. As we celebrate the great Solemnity of All Saints, we remember all the innumerable saints of God who are integral part of our Christian faith and the Church. Today's first reading presents us with the account of the "vast multitude" that no one can count: from every nation, race, religion or nationality. They were "ordinary people, striving for great perfection, trying to live a consistent life in imitation of Christ. The Church defines them as people of the "Beatitudes", as they are able to draw near to God by having the right attitude to life despite the challenges of their times. Jesus shows us how to be the best people we can be in today's Gospel. The world says, "Blessed are the rich, because they can have anything they want'' but Jesus says, "Blessed are the poor in spirit", those who put their trust in God rather than money; and those who admit that it is not their income, possessions or bank account that makes them rich in the sight of God." The world says, "Blessed are those who live it up, and never stop having fun, but Jesus says, "Blessed are those who mourn", those who feel the misfortune, pain and sorrow of others and who respond to them with understanding, sympathy, kindness, compassion and practical assistance.

The world says, "Blessed are the assertive and aggressive that talk tough and act tough" but Jesus says, "Blessed are the gentle". Gentleness is not weakness, but a form of strength. The world says, "Blessed are those who hunger for power, status and fame" but Jesus says, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for what is right." The only power and status we really need is to keep living in God's way and to keep doing the right thing. More satisfaction and contentment will be found in living with a good conscience than in hanging out with the movers and shakers of this world. The world says, "Blessed are those who show no mercy and who take no prisoners" but Jesus says, "Blessed are the merciful." Happy are those who make allowances for the faults and sins of others and whose greatness lies in their ability to forgive. They will receive mercy and forgiveness from God for their own sins. The world says, "Happy are those with clean fingernails, sparkling eyes, gleaming teeth and unblemished skin" but Jesus says, "Blessed are those with clean hearts", for from the heart that all our thoughts, words and actions flow. If the heart is clean, then everything that flows from it will be clean. The world says, "Blessed are those who get revenge", Jesus says, "Blessed are the peacemakers." Happy are those who spread understanding among people, those who welcome strangers and those who work for a more just and equal society. They are truly the children of God. The world says, "Blessed are those who lie and cheat and get away with it," but Jesus says, "Blessed are those who make a stand for what is right and true." They may suffer for their stand, but the wounds they bear will be marks of honour and integrity. There is a place there for all of us and the surest way is to cling to “the Way, the Truth and the Life.”

May the Lord enter into our lives and make His home in us so that one day we may be numbered among the Saints! Amen!! Good morning and Happy New Month!!!