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 24:1bc-4ab, 5-6).

For one version of the Responsorial Psalm set to music, please visit:

YouTube: Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 24 "Lord this is the people that longs to see Your face"

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."

Reflections on these readings:

Franciscan Media: Solemnity of All Saints

Vatican News: Liturgical Feasts: Solemnity of All Saints

Vatican News: Pope on All Saints: We are called to holiness, a gift and journey together (1 NOV 23)

National Catholic Register: Blogs: Marge Fenelon: All Saints Day: You Were Created to Become a Saint (1 NOV 23)

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of the many good people You have placed in our lives.

Matthew Trovato, OSFS, on the Welcoming Prayer

"How often do we make good resolutions in prayer not to become upset about future situations…then we quickly forget all about those resolutions when the time comes! 

"Maybe you were already three sentences into an argument before you even realized you were angry or defensive? Or you felt a lump in your throat, but didn't understand why you felt so hurt? This is part of the growing pains in the spiritual life, it seems to me. Our upsets in life 'trap' us before we can recall our good resolutions not to give in. 

"The question of what to do with upsetting emotions is a major part of allowing our spiritual life to permeate the rest of our lives. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Mr. Matthew Trovato, OSFS, reflected on the Welcoming Prayer and its relevance to stressful situations.

To access Mr. Trovato's complete post, please visit:

De Sales Weekly: Salesian Reflection: Welcome, Welcome, Welcome (31 OCT 24)

Reflection Starter from St. Francis de Sales

"Let us join our hearts to these heavenly spirits and blessed souls. Just as young nightingales learn to sing in company with the old, so also by our holy associations with the saints let us learn the best way to pray and sing God's praise." - Saint Francis de Sales