All Saints Day

The Feast of All Saints is a rich and beautiful tradition within the Church. It honours those who have died, it reminds us that we are part of a wider communion of holy people, and it affirms our faith in God’s loving fidelity to life. 

This Sunday's readings reflect that certainty of faith. In the context of the celebration of the Saints, the Beatitudes may sound as if they are the promise of a future, heavenly reward, but it is important to notice that Jesus’ words in the first and last Beatitude are in the present tense: ‘Theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’ Along with the Saints in heaven who experience the fullness of God’s desires, Jesus’ sermon is directed to disciples now, offering them a vision of what life in the kingdom might mean.

But Jesus is not speaking from the values of this world. He is offering his listeners a change of perspective. He is offering us a vision of what the world would be like if God’s reign were operative. In this world of God’s desires the hungry would be fed, the merciful would receive mercy, and mourners would find comfort. It is this world, this present reign of God, which you and I are meant to be citizens of. Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount is our Constitution setting out the values and way of life for Christians. If we truly live as citizens of God’s kingdom, it is unlikely that we will know successes in our current society. Values of generosity, compassion, hospitality do not sit well alongside values of economic prosperity, border control and globalisation. But if we take this Gospel to heart we can draw strength from Jesus’ words – ‘Good on you, if people abuse you and persecute you, and speak against you. Yours is the kingdom.’

 - Taken from a commentary by Mary Coloe PBVM

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew

Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up the hill. There he sat down and was joined by his disciples. Then he began to speak. This is what he taught them:

‘How happy are the poor in spirit:

theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Happy the gentle:

they shall have the earth for their heritage.

Happy those who mourn:

they shall be comforted.

Happy those who hunger and thirst for what is right:

they shall be satisfied.

Happy the merciful:

they shall have mercy shown them.

Happy the pure in heart:

they shall see God.

Happy the peacemakers:

they shall be called sons of God.

Happy those who are persecuted in the cause of right:

theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

‘Happy are you when people abuse you and persecute you and speak all kinds of calumny against you on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.’

The Gospel of the Lord

At Assembly tomorrow we will share this reading, and reflect on the fact that there are saints in our midst now, saints who are bringing God's Word to life in our challenged world. Let us pray, that we can be saints to those around us, challenging society's norms and bring Jesus' message to those around us.

Take care and keep safe

Jo Cowan

Religious Education Leader