Reflections from the November 1 Gospel
Matthew 5:1-12a
On this solemnity of All Saints, let us turn to the saints’ reflections upon Christ’s beatitudes. Blessed are…
The poor in spirit: “Not even God can put anything in a heart that is already full” (Bl. Teresa of Calcutta). They who mourn: “They who weep for their own sins are blessed” (St. Thomas Aquinas). The meek: “There is nothing as strong as true meekness; there is nothing as gentle as true strength” (St. Francis de Sales). They who hunger and thirst for righteousness: “First of all, we must be just towards God… for it is the touchstone of the true ‘hunger and thirst for justice’” (St. Josemaría Escrivá). The merciful: “If a soul does not exercise mercy… it will not obtain [Christ’s] mercy on the Day of Judgment” (St. Faustina Kowalska). The clean of heart: “The pure soul is a beautiful rose, and the Three Divine Persons descend from Heaven to inhale its fragrance” (St. John Vianney). The peacemakers: “Like a cathedral, peace must be constructed patiently and with unshakable faith” (St. John Paul II). They who are persecuted: “If you really want to love Jesus, first learn to suffer, because suffering teaches you to love” (St. Gemma Galgani).
Questions of the Week
Matthew 5:1-12a:
Which beatitude do you find most
inspirational?
Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14:
How does John’s vision bring you comfort?
1 John 3:1-3:
What does 1 John reveal to us about heaven?