Solemnity of All Saints

Today the Church celebrates the Solemnity of All Saints. The assigned readings are Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14; 1 John 3:1-3; and Matthew 5:1-12. The Responsorial Psalm is Psalm 24 (Psalm 24:1-6).

The Gospel reading is as follows:

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 on these readings:

Msgr. Charles Pope: For all the Saints – Reflecting on a Great Hymn of the Church (31 OCT 13)

The Deacon’s Bench: Homily for November 1, 2013: All Saints Day (30 OCT 13)

Solemnity of All Saints - Homily of Pope Benedict XVI (1 NOV 06)

Fr Munachi Ezeogu, cssp: The Beatitudes: Road Map to Happy Eternity