Daily Reflection for Tuesday, November 01, 2022
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners,
We encourage you to reflect on Tuesday’s readings at this link:
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110122.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: Revelations 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 Tuesday’s readings:
“Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.” Matthew 5:8
Today is the Solemnity of All Saints, a Holy Day of Obligation. Church history is abundant with stories of great canonized saints whose lives seem unapproachable in their holiness. In our lifetime, we witnessed Mother Theresa serve Jesus in the streets of Calcutta and preach about the sanctity of life here in America, Francesco Forgione, OFM Cap., better known as Padre Pio, who died in 1968 is noted for several miracles. He was so in tune with Jesus that he bled daily from stigmata wounds for 50 years.
On the walls of Holy Angels Catholic School, an inner-city school, there is a poster that says, “Our Goals are College and Heaven.” We are all called to be saints!
I am often in awe of Christians I see as saints; Liz works tirelessly collecting clothing, shoes, and toiletries for homeless shelter dwellers. David runs the food pantry and helps to feed hundreds every week. Maureen visits the sick and takes Communion to nursing homes. Gerry brings Christ to prisoners through Kairos prison ministry. Paula has taught Sunday school year after year for decades. And many others serve the Lord through their selfless service. They are all blessed in their service to God’s children.
In today's Gospel reading, Matthew shares the Beatitudes. In these few stanzas, Jesus teaches us the secret to blessed saintliness. If I could distill the Beatitudes into one line, it would be to put God and all His children first and my own ego third. In those few times when I have renounced my Saturday plans and have served the homeless breakfast with the Beggars for the Poor or helped with Saint Vincent De Paul, I have felt blessed by grace and joy disproportional to the few hours of service.
Perhaps the Lord is calling you to join Liz, David, Gerry, or Paula as they serve God's Children.
Peace and Blessings,
Deacon John McShea