Daily Reflection for Monday, November 01, 2021
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners,
SOLEMNITY OF ALL SAINTS
We encourage you to reflect on Monday’s readings at this link:
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/110121.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14
Responsorial: Psalm 24:1bc-2, 3-4ab, 5-6
Second Reading: 1 John 3:1-3
Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12a
Our reflection on Monday’s readings:
“These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress; they have washed their robes and made them white in the Blood of the Lamb.” Revelation 7:14
On All Saints Day we celebrate and remember those who are in heaven…saints. Both those recognized by the church through canonization as well as those who have not attained that “official” designation. This solemnity brings to mind the chorus of an old gospel song that goes:
By and by, when the morning comes
All the saints of God are gathered home
We will tell the story how we've overcome
And we'll understand it better by and by.
While we are able to perceive God in many things and in many ways as we live our lives, the Christian’s ultimate goal is the Beatific Vision, that is to see God face to face.
In today’s first reading we are given a breath-taking glimpse of “By and By.” John describes a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, people, and tongue standing before the throne of God. Wearing white robes, (a symbol of purity) and holding palm branches, (a symbol of triumph, peace, and eternal life), they praise God.
These are the ones who have washed their robes in the blood of the lamb. These are that people who have longed to see the face of the Lord. This is us.
What will it be like to see God? Paul says that we don’t know all that seeing God will encompass because it has not yet been revealed. But we do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Doesn’t that just make your heart rush?
Elsewhere in Paul’s letters he advises us not to worry but to instead keep our minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper; what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:8) I hope today’s readings have given you food for holy thoughts.
May the prospect of eternal life in the presence of God comfort and encourage you.
Melissa Kittrell