Fortunate are those who are poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Fortunate are
those who mourn; they shall be comforted. Fortunate are the gentle; they shall possess the
land. Fortunate are those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they shall be satisfied.
Fortunate are the merciful, for they shall find mercy. Fortunate are those with pure hearts,
for they shall see God. Fortunate are those who work for peace; they shall be called children
of God. Fortunate are those who are persecuted for the cause of righteousness, for theirs is
the kingdom of heaven. Fortunate are you, when people insult you and persecute you and
speak all kinds of evil against you because you are my followers.
Be glad and joyful, for a great reward is kept for you in God.
Reflect
The Solemnity of All Saints is called the feast of the holy city. It is the day we celebrate all
of our brothers and sisters who, having lived a holy life or having passed through a time
of purification, now live in the presence of God for all eternity. As the reading from the Book
of Revelation makes clear, the holy city is open to people of any race, nation, or tongue.
There is no division in the holy city. All are united as children of God: holy, pure, and blessed.
The Church has declared some people saints, holding them up as models of virtue and
examples of holy living. But the list of canonized saints does not exhaust the citizenship of
the holy city. All Saints' Day is a good time to reflect on the holy people that we have known
in our lives. Their names and faith may not be widely known. For some, their faith and
holiness may be known to God alone. But all the holy ones live forever with God. Let us
live so that we may join them.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2023