November 1, 2020 - Solemnity of All Saints

“Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.”

Psalm 24

Readings

Book of Revelation 7:2 - 4; 9 - 14

First Letter of St. John 3:1 - 3

Gospel According to Matthew 5:1 - 12a

Reflection

by Sister Jane Hibbard, SNJM

“Let us all rejoice in the Lord, as we celebrate this feast in honor of all of the saints”. That is the entrance antiphon for the celebration of this feast.

Who are the “saints” in your life? Who are the best beloveds you think of when you consider meeting them again in our life after death? Who are the family and friends that you can hardly wait to see again? “In every place and time, the blessed walk among us. There is a mighty throng that stands at our side, the saints and beloved of God.” Dan Schutte

The readings in the liturgy today direct us in the way to get from here (our own lived reality) to there (the heaven we all yearn to see). The Beatitudes have all the ingredients for a happy, committed life of grace. Blessed are those who…….are peacemakers, joyful, humble, work for justice, who weep and laugh. Blessed are those who live life to the fullest!

“The saints are not perfect models, but people through whom God has passed. The saints are our brothers and sisters who have welcomed the light of God into their hearts.” Pope Francis

Spend some time this week as we celebrate All Saints and All Souls to be with those who light up your life with love, past and present. And think about the people you love, for whom you are a saint …..we are all saints and beloveds of God!

Remember the distance between earth and heaven is a thin veil.

We are all one in the love of Christ.

From the Rule of St. Benedict

"Let us prefer nothing whatever to Christ

and may he bring us all together to everlasting life."

Chapter 72:11-12

Gospel Acclamation

"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened,

And I will give you rest, says the Lord."

Matthew 11:28