Readings
I - Rev. 7: 2-4, 9-14
II - IJn. 3: 1-3
II - Mt. 5: 1-12
ALL SAINTS DAY (Solemnity)
Today the Church rejoices in the victory of those who passed by the world, living here a worthy and heroic life befitting to their identity as the ‘Children of God’. In asserting this identity, they would have endured a great ordeal that purified them, making them worthy to stand before the throne of the lamb that is all holy. Standing for the Lord in this world courageously yet joyfully; bravely yet blaming none and daringly yet with diligence would take us to the throne of the Lord, the ultimate destination for all children of God.
The ‘Blessed’ in the beatitudes of the Gospel passage are sure to join the band of the saints whom we celebrate today. The ‘blessed’ according to the Word of God, behold the throne of God after their life here on this earth. The poor, the mourners, the meek, those men and women who hunger for truth and justice, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, those persecuted for justice and those falsely accused on account of Jesus reap their reward in full measure, true to the promise of Jesus.
Life is a free gift of God but life eternal is the reward for those dare to stand for God in all that they do and say. May the saints we celebrate today help us to courageously align our lives unto the ways of God. Let us mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “All saints of the Lord, Pray for us”.
