Solemnity of All Saints – Apocalypse 7:2-4,9-14; Ps 24:1-6; 1 John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12a

Father with child
With the Heavenly Father – the safest

Today we rejoice in the glory of all the saved. We commemorate the saints: those known to whom we turn with a request for intercession with various intentions, but also those not raised to the altars. The word that the Church gives us for today’s celebration is the beatitudes that Jesus pronounced in the Sermon on the Mount, a programme for all His disciples. In the face of the difficulties that the world puts before us, we must be poor in spirit, meek, hungry for justice, merciful, pure in heart. What can transform the world is imitating Jesus in His attitude of authentic goodness. Ultimately, it was His love that conquered evil. The beatitudes were the programme of the saints we honour today. They are the way to the kingdom of heaven.

Lord Jesus, transform my heart with Your love and goodness. It is so easy to be scandalised or to harbour a desire for revenge for the evil we have suffered. I want to believe more in the power of Your love. Amen.