November 1, 2011
Solemnity of All Saints
By Beth De Cristofaro
Beloved: See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet so we are. Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed. We do know that when it is revealed* we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. (1 John 3:1-2)
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... (Matthew 5:1-3a)
Piety
Lord Jesus, you said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Keep us from being preoccupied with money and worldly goods, and with trying to increase them at the expense of justice.
Lord Jesus, you said, "Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth." Help us not to be ruthless with one another, and to eliminate the discord and violence that exists in the world around us.
Lord Jesus, you said, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." Let us not be impatient under our own burdens and unconcerned about the burdens of others.
Lord Jesus, you said, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they shall be filled." Make us thirst for you, the fountain of all holiness, and actively spread your influence in our private lives and in society.
Lord Jesus, you said, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy." Grant that we may be quick to forgive and slow to condemn.
Lord Jesus, you said, "Blessed are the clean of heart, for they shall see God." Free us from our senses and our evil desires, and fix our eyes on you.
Lord Jesus, you said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God." Aid us to make peace in our families, in our country, and in the world.
Lord Jesus, you said, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of justice, for the kingdom of heaven in theirs." Make us willing to suffer for the sake of right rather than to practice injustice; and do not let us discriminate against our neighbors and oppress and persecute them. http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/litany15.htm
Study
First, the God of ALL – EVERYTHING - chose to create human beings. You have to think God knew what could possibly go wrong with that decision. Then when we mucked it up badly enough, God came among us to live, die and defeat death, overcoming our wrongdoings and feebleness. And while here – not just visiting the “hood” but becoming one like us in all things but sin -- God gave us the instruction book on how to get back to our child-like, God-like identity. And then God trusts us again to do so, gifting us with the Body of the Church and the Breath of the Spirit to blow truth and wisdom among us. Shouldn’t we be on our knees night and day in astonished supplication?
Perhaps that’s what leads us to saint hood. The deep appreciation for the gifts God has bestowed upon each and every one of us, beloved children leads some to truly live the beatitudes no matter the cost. God knows personally that it isn’t an easy decision or journey. Yet, Jesus says: your reward will be great in heaven .
Action
God doesn‘t want us down on our knees at all times just as Jesus did not want the Pharisees to continue lengthening their phylacteries and tassels. In fact, God wants us to act on the Word, to become what God plans for us. We do that by living out the Beatitudes for Jesus’ sake and the sake of the person next to us at any God-given moment. Keep the Beatitudes with you today. Weigh your choices in light of God’s Word and God’s Love.
