A Word on the Gospel for All Saints

The SOLEMNITY of ALL the SAINTS

GOSPEL

Matthew 5:1-12a (Douai-Rheims translation)

⁵ Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down his disciples came to him. 2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

⁴ “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

⁵ “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

⁶ “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

⁷ “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

⁸ “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

⁹ “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

¹⁰ “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

¹¹ “Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. ^12a Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.

A help to understanding the Beatitudes is to realize that they are not so much a list of requirements, as they are a description of our Blessed Lord and Saviour. We have a living, immaculate and perfect model to imitate. And He gives us the light, strength and power to fololow Him. “For human beings it is impossible, but not for God.”

What can we do? Intensify our life of prayer and that prayer, if it is real, will lead to an ever greater, ever deeper REPENTANCE. “To know how to prayer right, is to know how to live right” said St. Augustine.