The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, November 1, 2005
Solemnity of All Saints
(Holy Day of Obligation -- please check your diocesan regulations)

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14
Psalm 24:1bc-2, 3-4ab, 5-6
1 John 3:1-3
Matthew 5:1-12a

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

I used to struggle with the beatitudes. For most of my life I really couldn’t fully understand what Jesus was telling me. It was only until I looked at the reverse that I fully understood the meaning. I will try and explain.

Jesus says blessed are the poor in spirit. He does not say blessed are the rich.

Jesus says blessed are they who mourn. He does not say blessed are those who party.

Jesus says blessed are the meek. He does not say blessed are those who are bold and loud.

Jesus says blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness. He does not say blessed are those who could care less.

Jesus says blessed are the merciful. He does not say blessed are those who are vindictive and seek revenge,

Jesus says blessed are the clean of heart. He does not say blessed are those who sin.

Jesus says blessed are the peacemakers. He does not say blessed are those who hate, kill and deceive.

Jesus says blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness. He does not say blessed are those who never face any hardship.

Jesus says blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you. He does not say blessed are those who never face affliction.

Looking at the opposites showed me clearly what Jesus was saying. Our lives as Christians are not necessarily lives of comfort, carelessness and happiness. It is actually the opposite, and our lives must be lived for those who mourn, in search of righteousness, with clean hearts and knowing it will be a struggle. It is in these things we are truly blessed and it is in these things we truly find our Lord.

- Don Claunch, SFO
(dlclaunch at bresnan dot net)