Nov 1 2020 Reflection

Sunday 1 November 2020

First Reading: RV 7:2-4, 9-14
Responsorial Psalm:
Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
PS 24:1BC-2, 3-4AB, 5-6
Second Reading: 1 JN 3:1-3
Gospel Reading: MT 5:1-12A

Today’s Note: Solemnity of All Saints

Gospel Reading:

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.”

Reflection:

Blessed are you. (Matthew 5:11)

Stroll the halls of any maternity ward, and you’ll see parents beaming with happiness over the birth of their child. You’ll also hear them saying things like “I hope he grows up to be successful in life.” “I’m going to make sure she has every opportunity I never had.”

Here are a few things you probably won’t hear them say: “I hope she finds her way to sadness.” “I’m going to make sure he gets picked on in school.” No one wants that for their children! But these are the very types of characteristics Jesus blesses in today’s Gospel.

Now, Jesus doesn’t want us to actively seek out persecution and sorrow. But he wants us to know that following him may lead to such challenges. That’s because the way of discipleship is often at odds with the ways of the world:

• In a world marred by resentment and vengeance, Jesus wants us to forgive and turn the other cheek.
• In a world focused on money and power, Jesus wants us to live humbly and give generously. 
• In a world wounded by wars and divisions, Jesus wants us to love our enemies and work for peace.

Every saint, both known and unknown, has experienced this tug-of-war between the world and the kingdom of God. And that’s precisely why we celebrate them today: they “have survived the time of great distress” with their faith intact (Revelation 7:14). It’s not just the saints. Every believer has their own times of “great distress” as well.

Isn’t it helpful to know that you aren’t alone in the struggle? All the saints are praying for you. The Holy Spirit is in you to empower and guide you. And you have your brothers and sisters in Christ. It truly is possible to “survive” even the greatest of temptations and take your place with all the saints in heaven.

“Holy Spirit, give me the grace I need not only to survive but also to thrive as a disciple of Jesus!”