Reflections on Scripture | Solemnity of All Saints

Join Msgr. Don Fischer as he reads and delivers a short reflection on today’s gospel, followed by 3 1/2 minutes of contemplative music and a closing prayer. Msgr. Don hopes that today’s reflection on the gospel will empower you to carry the Word in your heart throughout the day.

Choose either the video or audio below.

Gospel
Matthew 5:1-12a

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."

Reflection

What is a blessing? The blessing is turning to God and asking Him to fill someone, to fill ourselves with the grace and the peace that is our inheritance as a member of the Kingdom of God. And what's clear in this list of both being filled with and satisfied, or being persecuted and treated unfairly, no matter where we are in that whole spectrum of life, God's blessing, God's presence is the key to making things move in the direction that creates the Kingdom of God.

Closing Prayer

Father, we thank you for blessing us, but keep us aware of our ability to bless one another and continually call upon you and invite you in to those situations which you know you need to be in, in order for the kingdom to come. Give us confidence and give us hope. And we ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Kyle Cross