By Jacob Perikala csc.
Readings: Rev 7: 2-4, 9-14; 1 Jn 3: 1-3; Mt 5: 1-12
The Feast of All Saints is a celebration of the holy men and women who have lived their lives according to the Gospel and have attained the vision of God in heaven. They are our models and intercessors, who inspire us to follow Christ more closely and to seek his face in everything we do.
The readings for this feast day invite us to reflect on the qualities and characteristics of the saints. The first reading from the book of Revelation gives us a glimpse of the heavenly worship, where a great multitude of saints from every nation, race, people, and tongue praise God and the Lamb. They also remind us that we are called to be part of this universal communion of saints, which transcends all human boundaries and divisions.
The second reading from the first letter of John affirms our identity and dignity as children of God. John says, “See what love the father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet so we are.” This is a gift of grace that we do not deserve, but one that God freely gives us out of his love.
The Gospel reading from Mathew presents us with the beatitudes, which are the core teachings of Jesus about the way of life that leads to happiness and holiness. The beatitudes challenge us to seek God’s will above all else, to be humble, merciful, peace-making, and righteous, even if it means facing opposition or persecution.
As we celebrate this feast day, let us ask for the intercession of all the saints in heaven, especially those whose lives have inspired us. Let us also ask for their help to live according to the spirit of the beatitudes, so that we may become more like them and more like Christ.