Solemnity of All Saints

The saints are not "up there" distant and out of reach; they are our spiritual family. Some live among us. “Once you enter into friendship with God, everything in your life begins to change … You are attracted to the practice of virtue.” Pope Benedict on sainthood.

First Reading. Apocalypse 7:2-4,9-14

…a huge number, impossible to count of people, from every nation, race, tribe and language…

Psalm 23:1-6

Lord this is the people that longs to see your face.

Second Reading. 1 John 3:1-3

We shall be like God because we shall see him as he really is.

Gospel. Matthew 5:1-12

Today's Gospel features the Beatitudes or Blessings. 'He began to teach them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.”

Jesus, we pray with those who are poor in spirit,

and all who hunger and thirst now

for righteousness.

St. Francis of Assisi, show us how to reverence and care for

brother earth and sister skies.

St. Mother Theresa teach us how to feed all God’s

hungry people. 

St. Albert the Great, show our scientists all the ways

to create vaccines to end the Pandemic.

St.Luke, protect doctors, nurses and

all in the medical profession taking care of the sick.

Saints Martin de Porres and Peter Claver, teach us how to find inter-racial 

justice and harmony. 

Saint Peter Chanel, who brought courage and humble service

to the mission within Oceania. May we too bring love and compassion

to those in need.

Venerable Suzanne Aubert. who devoted her life to the poor,

the sick and the underprivileged show us the way to do the same.

Amen

Adapted from Anne Osdieck, St Louis University, & from the Sisters of Compassion Aotearoa New Zealand.

Painting of Communion of Saints in the Baptistry in Padua.