November 1, 2017

Solemnity of All Saints

Intention: That the darkness of stigma, exclusion, and marginalization might be dispelled by the light of compassion, respect, and welcome for every person as a child of God.

Today’s Gospel | Matthew 5: 1-12a

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.”

From the Meditation on All Saints | Saint John Baptist de La Salle

Today, pay homage to the saints, but let it be in God, because it is in him that you find them all. Admire how great is the happiness they enjoy in heaven, how wonderful is the glory they receive, and beg them to obtain from God for you the grace to share in their glory after your death.

Prayer

Eternal Father, your Son called all people to righteousness. With your grace, we can live rightly and faithfully in this world, working to do your will through the virtues that we embrace, the words that we speak, and the actions that we take. Help us to walk in your ways, always striving for perfection in our love for one another. May we make of ourselves a people worthy to build your kingdom. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.