Scripture:
Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14
1 John 3:1-3
Matthew: 5:1-12a
Reflection:
Today we honor ALL SAINTS… women, men, girls and boys who come from everywhere… people whose lives are seemingly ordinary, but who daily live… now and in the past… the faithful way of discipleship. I suggest that describes many of us who read, reflect and pray these daily readings.
Take a moment to reflect on and name the "Saints" in your own life. Who taught you the love of God? Who trusted that love in the midst of their own sufferings? Who assisted God in bringing you to life and deeper living, even through life’s crosses?
Are we not alive with faith and goodness because of them?
Our first reading today is from the Book of Revelation – like all apocalyptic literature, there is disclosure about something hidden; it was written to encourage the faithful in time of great suffering and distress. The theme is centered on hope and trust. The sufferings of the present lead to brighter future. Communities under harsh conditions need encouragements both from within and outside the group. Here is where this reading gets its importance and power.
Our Psalm Response reminds us that WE are the people who long to see the face of the Lord… and as we do, we shall receive a blessing from the lord… because we are the people that seek the face of God…."
Our Second reading from the first epistle of John invites us to prayerfully ponder on the love that the Father has bestowed on us, so that we may be called children of God…. for we ARE God’s children…NOW… and we will be like Him for we shall see God as God is!
And how shall we LIVE like God’s Blessed children? Today’s Gospel of Matthew
presents us with the spiritual platform Jesus stands upon and to which He invites us to join Him there. These are basic invitations for real living, characteristics of those who desire a participation in the life He would live and for which He would die.
Our blessedness is described as something of God’s holiness being shown through our human actions. We are inside-outside people. Being blessed is based on God’s sharing part of the essence of God with us and then our doing something from that inside gift by sharing it in small or large deeds. We are not holy by what we do. We are holy because of the very essence of God shared with us. And so we are blessed, holy.
How and where are you blessed today?
Sr. Marcella Fabing, CSJ is on the staff of Christ the King Passionist Retreat Center, Citrus Heights, CA.