Solemnity of All Saints
First Readings: Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 24
Second Reading: 1 John 3:1-3
Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12
How do you become a Saint? Do you have to receive certain revelations? Do you have to work so many acts of charity? Perhaps it is the number of prayers you do a day. While there may be many different thoughts on what makes a Saint, the fact is that all Saints in heaven had one thing in common during their earthly life ... they chose to follow Christ. It is really that simple, the way to become a Saint is to follow Christ. This means allowing Him to lead. It means picking up your cross every day and following Him. Following Him means that we turn away from sin and worldly things and choose His way. It means trusting, even though you don't know what is ahead.
When it comes to being a Saint, there is no complex answer or twelve step program to becoming a Saint, it is really a simple answer: follow Christ! But while the answer is simple, we all know that the difficulty is in actually doing it. It is not easy to live a life following Christ, it is demanding, full of sacrifice, and just plain hard. But always keep in mind that in the end, it will be worth it. In striving for Sainthood in our own lives, let us always remember and reflect on the Beatitudes, as told by Jesus in today's gospel reading:
All Saints and Angels in Heaven, pray for us as we strive to follow Christ in our own lives!
“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.” (Matt. 5:3-12a)
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all that you have blessed us with. Lord, pour out your grace on us as we strive to become Saints for your glory. Lord, you are the way, the truth, and the life, help us to never veer from your perfect path. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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