Solemnity of All Saints

01 November 2024

 

First Reading: Rv 7:2-4, 9-14

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 24:1bc-2, 3-4ab, 5-6

Second Reading: 1 Jn 3:1-3

Gospel: Mt 5:1-12a

 

Reflection

By: Benj Santiago

 

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

As we celebrate All Saints' Day, the Beatitudes' first line reminds us how to live our life in HUMILITY and DEPENDENCE on God.

Being poor in spirit is not necessarily a call to material poverty. Jesus is calling us to deeper poverty of the heart to recognize that everything good comes from God! St. Francis and St. Ignatius were from wealthy families. St. Stephen of Hungary was a King! They were poor in Spirit in spite of their wealth and power for they have shared what they possess and remained totally dependent on God.

Today, I, you, all of us are reminded to have full dependence on God. The first step is to recognize our sinfulness, weakness, and faults. We need to humble ourselves to God and ask for His mercy and forgiveness through the Sacrament of Confession.

Secondly, we need to practice humility and gratitude. Serve our family and community with humility. Lead with humility. Be thankful for all the blessings we receive.

Finally, we must acknowledge that all our posessions, position, titles, and power are not ours to own. Give to those in need. Share your blessings to family, friends, and community. Practice Tithing.

We are called to be "poor in spirit."

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for all Your blessings. We acknowledge that all we possess, and that we have is a blessing from You. We humbly pray and beg You to continually bless us so that we can bless more people like the Saints before us. In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen.