November 7, 2014

Nov. 7

November 7, 2014:  Friday, 31st week, Ordinary Time

Dedicated to Jackie Johnson, longtime St. Bede choir member
May she rest in peace, and God bless her loved ones.

Listen

For Jackie's funeral (she requested them all, and more, and we really sang  this morning, in this order)
For 1st reading and gospel


For Psalm 122, and Jackie

There are many "enemies of the Cross," with "strokes of Christian paint" but pagan life; don't be one of them by becoming lukewarm (Rv 3:15-20).  We're citizens of heaven; they, of the world.  Ask, "Is there worldliness in me?  Do I like to brag?  Do I like money, pride, or arrogance?  Where are my roots, my citizenship?  Am I heading for Christ or for ruin?"
The steward who cheated his master became corrupt little by little.  The path of worldliness leads to corruption!  If you're attached to money, vanity, or pride, you're on the bad road, but if you love God, serve others, are gentle and humble, you're on the right road.  Remain "firm in the Lord"; don't weaken and end up corrupt.  May we follow Christ's example of humility, poverty, meekness, service, worship, and prayer.
Read
  • Phil 3:17-4:1  Imitate me and observe those following our model; sadly, many don't.  We're citizens of heaven and await Christ our savior who will by his power make our body conform with his.  Stand firm in the Lord.
  • Ps 122:1-5  "Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord."
    Wordle: Readings 11-7-14
  • Lk 16:1-8  “Rich man, firing suspected steward:  ‘Prepare an account.’ / ‘What shall I do?  I'm too weak to to dig and ashamed to beg.’  So the master's debtors would welcome him, he reduced all their debts.  The master commended that dishonest steward for his prudence.  The children of this world are more prudent... than the children of light.”
Reflect
    • Creighton:  Apparently the steward gave up his cut of the repayments to pave better relationships.
    • One Bread One Body:  "Longer-range financial planning":  The Lord will supply our needs, entrust those faithful in small matters with bigger things, and reward faithful stewards forever.
    • Passionist:  What if I spent as much time examining my own behavior as judging/condemning others?
    • DailyScripture.net:  Do I make good use of my possessions? Likely the steward was fired for overcharging his master's debtors and keeping the difference, and he won favor with debtors and master by backing out his 'commission' (making the master look generous).  Jesus commends the steward for his shrewd plan to secure his future.  'Shrewdness' was originally 'foresight.'  Faith and prudence can save us from disaster too. / "The bosoms of the poor, the houses of widows, the mouths of children are barns that last forever.  True wealth isn't what we keep but what we give away. Possessions are a great responsibility; God expects us to use them responsibly and put them at his and others' service.  All we have is God's; God expects us to make a good return on it." (St. Ambrose, paraphrased)  God gives to those who share his gifts.  What love possesses my heart?
    • Universalis:  St. Willibrord, bishop, missionary to Europe
    'Abacus' tie pin:  'recalculation' of debts (gospel)
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    November 6, 2014

    Nov. 6

    November 6, 2014:  Thursday, 31st week, Ordinary Time


    • 'Eyeball' tie pin:  look to the Lord in his strength (psalm) [Ouch; I can't find my original eyeball pin!  Holy Tony, look around; something's lost, gotta be found.]
    • 'Sheep' tie bar:  Wouldn't you leave your sheep to seek a lost one? (gospel)
    • 'Coin' button:  Wouldn't you sweep the house to look for a lost coin? (gospel)
    • 'Remote control' tie:  go out with zeal; don't be 'remote' (homily) [admittedly a stretch, showcases my wife's recent thrift store find]
    (Nothing for 1st reading's "we are the circumcision")
    Listen

    Pope Francis homily

    The Pharisees and scribes were scandalized because Jesus welcomed and ate with sinners, but Jesus came to seek the strays.  Unlike Pharisees and scribes, God goes all the way.  It's sad to see a shepherd open church doors and just wait, not feeling the need to go to tell others the Lord is good.  Scribes and Pharisees didn't want to dirty their hands with sinners.  Being a halfway shepherd is defeat; shepherds must have God's heart and go to the limit, as Jesus did.  True Christians don't keep to themselves; they have zeal that no one be lost and so, unafraid to dirty their hands, go where they need to, risking life, reputation, comfort, status, even career.  It's easy to condemn but not Christian!   No half-way shepherds!  Good Christians are outward bound, moving out of themselves to God in prayer, worship, and bringing others the message of salvation, knowing tenderness and joy.  Halfway Christians may know some fun or calm, but not the heavenly joy from our saving Father's heart!
    Read

    • Phil 3:3-8a  We are the circumcision.  I can be confident in the flesh, as a circumcised Hebrew Pharisee faithful to the law.  But I now consider any gains I had as loss because of Christ.  I consider everything as loss because of the good of knowing Christ my Lord.
      "Lost sheep"
      from words of today's readings
      original image / click to animate
    • Ps 105:2-7  "Let hearts rejoice who search for the Lord."  Sing praise to him; proclaim his wondrous deeds.  Look to the Lord, serve him, and recall his wondrous deeds...
    • Lk 15:1-10  Jesus to Pharisees and scribes:  “Who among you having 100 sheep and losing one wouldn't leave the 99 to go after the lost one, then rejoice on finding it?  In the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than 99 righteous who have no need of repentance.  What woman who lost one of her 10 coins wouldn't sweep the house to find it, then rejoice on finding it?  In the same way, there will be rejoicing among the angels over one sinner who repents.”
    Reflect
      • Creighton:   I can feel like a lost sheep, worried, shortsighted, caught up supposedly important demands, looking at others' flaws, wishing they were different to make my life easier, instead of seeing what I can do.   When I make excuses and feel righteous, I know I’m lost.  I'm thankful that I'll be welcomed back with joy....
      • One Bread One Body:  "Sin-sational":  Jesus was a magnet for sinners; he sought, loved, and died for them.  We must seek and love sinners as he does, risking our reputation....
      • Passionist:   How much effort would you put into looking for one coin or sheep, vs. accepting a 1-10% loss?  Fortunately, God does seek out the stray till he finds it and brings it home on his shoulders.   The rabbis said there was rejoicing in heaven when a sinner was destroyed, but Jesus taught that the rejoicing is when the lost are brought back.
      • DailyScripture.net:   The scribes and Pharisees took offense at Jesus because he sought out sinners and treated them as friends, contrary to strict regulations.   Do I judge with mercy?  The shepherd and woman search till they find, then share their joy.  Jesus' new teaching was that sinners must be sought out.  God wants all to be saved.  Do I pray and seek after the lost?
      • Word of the day:  σκύβαλον, from 1st reading in Phil 3:8.  Paul counts all as 'loss' because of the good of knowing Christ...
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      November 5, 2014

      Nov. 5

      November 5, 2014:  Wednesday, 31st week, Ordinary Time
      • 'House' and 'tower' tie:  I seek to dwell in the house of the Lord (psalm); calculate the cost before you build a tower (gospel)

      • 'Abacus' tie pin:  calculate the tower's cost; kings decide whether their troops can oppose the other's... (gospel)

      • 'Peace sign' tie bar:  ...if not, he'll ask for peace terms (gospel)


      Listen

      • Patience, people/ Foley (1st reading:  don't grumble; psalm:  wait)  IMHO this Advent song also works on the way to the end of the Church year, looking to Christ's second (and third) comings vs. Jesus' first (sheet music)
      Pope Francis audience

      Christ instituted the ordained ministries to build up the Church, his Body.  Jesus wanted unity between bishop and faithful.  In protecting and guiding the people of God, the Bishop expresses the motherhood of the Church.  Pray that bishops be virtuous.  Bishop is a service, not an honorary role; it's sad when we see someone seeking the office, getting it, and not serving but going around like a peacock, living for vanity.

      Read
      • Phil 2:12-18  Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.  God works in you both to desire and to work.  Don't grumble or question; shine in the world.  Rejoice and share your joy with me as I with you.

        Wordle: Readings 11-5-14
      • Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14  "The Lord is my light and my salvation."  Whom should I fear?  I seek to dwell in God's house and gaze on him.  Wait for the Lord.

      • Lk 14:25-33  “One who comes to me without hating his family, even his own life can't be my disciple.  Carry your cross and come after me.  If you want to build a tower, you first calculate the cost to make sure you can finish.  When kings march to battle, they first decide whether their troops can oppose the others, or else they'll ask for peace terms.  If you don't renounce your possessions, you can't be my disciple.”
      Reflect
        • Creighton:  Today's theme:  trust.  Paul:  embrace God at work in you, and shine.  God's children sacrifice and struggle, as Paul poured out his life in service, but attain joy.  Jesus:  trust in God, know the cost, carry the cross, and follow.
        In line with both today's readings:  St. Ignatius Loyola's First Principle and Foundation (hold everything with indifference:  embrace what draws us closer to God; let go of what doesn't) and Suscipe (thank God for graces; return them; asking only for God’s love), both fitting to remember on today's celebration of All Saints and Blessed of the Society of Jesus; Jesuits' vows are outward examples of an inner disposition of trust, but trust, even in times of rear, is for everybody.
        • One Bread One Body:  "Only all is enough"  If we aren't taken up with following Jesus, we can't build the Kingdom.  If we don't take up our cross of self-sacrifice and be willing to die to self and give up everything for Jesus, we can't be his disciples.  Jesus gave all for you; give all to him.
        • DailyScripture.net:  Nothing should take precedence over God who put us first.  ('Hate' often meant 'prefer less.')  True love is willing to sacrifice for the beloved; God proved his love by sending his only Son to offer his life for us.  As Jesus knew the cost of the cross and said 'yes' to his Father, we too, must count the cost and be ready to follow the Lord.  'My cross' is sacrifice, laying down my life for Jesus' sake; Christ makes it possible and even sweet.  God gives us more than we can expect or imagine....
        • Passionist:  Discipleship means a new relationship with family, possessions, and the cross.  God works in us to both desire the good and to work for it, making self-surrender easier.
        • Archdiocese of Los Angeles Location Technology Checklist:  Really?  Yes; it talks about "counting the cost" before embarking on a tech project...
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        November 4, 2014

        Charles Borromeo

        November 4, 2014:  St. Charles Borromeo, Bishop


        • Crucifix:  Jesus was obedient to the point of death on a cross (1st reading)
        • 'Kneeling person' tie bar:  At the name of Jesus every knee should bend (1st reading); all shall bow before the Lord (psalm)
        • 'Hearts' suspenders:  May your hearts be ever merry! (psalm)
        • Silverware:  dinner parable (gospel)
        • 'Crowns' tie:  the King's banquet (gospel-related)





        Listen

        For 1st reading (kenosis hymn)
        Pope Francis

         Today's homily:   The invited who decline are examples:  the one who went to examine his field needed to feel powerful and proud instead of sitting among others, the one occupied with his business didn't want to waste time with others, and the one who didn't want to bring his bride wanted to keep her affection to himself.  All preferred their own interests to sharing; they didn't know what it means to celebrate.  This self-interest is what Jesus called “repayment.”

         The gratuity shocked them.  It's hard to listen to God when you believe the world revolves around you.  We're afraid of God’s gratuity.   We're at home in our sins and limitations, afraid to leave to answer God's invitation.  We all have this fear:  Catholic, but not too; trusting, but not too.  This 'but not too' marks our lives, belittling us.

         Then the Lord asks the servant to compel people to come.  So often the Lord has to that with us, with trials.  "C ompel them to believe in my gratuity, that my gift is free, that salvation is the greatest gift, my love!"  But we're afraid and so become Pelagian as if we can obtain holiness on our own!  Holiness, salvation is gratuity.

         Jesus paid for the banquet with his death, the great gratuity.  See the crucifix as an invitation.  "Yes, Lord, I'm a sinner.  I have many things but look to you and go to the banquet.  I trust and won't be disappointed, because you paid."  Don't be afraid of God's gratuitousness:  open your hearts and do as much as you can; he'll prepare the banquet.
        "Mass of remembrance" homily:   Stand before the Cross of Jesus, like Mary, the women, and the centurion.  Go to the tomb to see the stone rolled back and hear the news:  “He has been raised.”   The Resurrection fills our faith with truth and eternal life.

         Read
        • Phil 2:5-11  Have Christ's attitude:  He didn't grasp at his equality with God but emptied and humbled himself, obedient to death.  God exalted him, that at Jesus' name every knee should bend and tongue confess him as Lord.
          Wordle: Readings 11-4-14
        • Ps 22:26b-30abe, 31-32  "I will praise you, Lord, in the assembly of your people."  All shall turn to and bow before the Lord who has shown justice.
        • Lk 14:15-24  “A man invited many to dinner.  When they excused themselves, he commanded, ‘Bring in the poor, crippled, blind, and lame.’  When there was still room, he ordered, ‘Go make people come that my home be filled.  None who were invited will taste my dinner.’”
        Reflect
          • Creighton:  Be humble like Jesus.   Share how your faith and living it affects you.  Attend to your relationship with God and others; don't make excuses.  A ctively participate in and proclaim faith:  pray, reflect, celebrate, and serve.
          • One Bread One Body:  "Empty, room":   God always invites us to share his life, live in his love, receive him, read his Word, share our faith, and serve, suffer, and die for him, but we may ignore the invitations because we're preoccupied.  We'll be oblivious till we empty ourselves as Jesus did.   As there was no room for Jesus in the inn, do I have so much 'stuff' that I don't make room for him?  Am I empty enough to accept his invitation and be filled with him?
            St. Charles Borromeo
            giving Communion
            to the infected
          • DailyScripture.net:  An invitation to share bread was a sign of favor and intimacy; your dinner companions showed whom you valued and trusted.  We're invited to the most important banquet of all.  Jesus' examples of why guests declined though invited personally well in advance:  putting personal business, possessions, or home and family ahead of God.  Invite God into work, home, and life.  Then the master invited those who had no claim on him:   an invitation of grace, but with a warning for those who refuse it.  Grace is free but carries responsibility.   Am I ready to feast at the Lord's banquet table?
          • Universalis:   St. Charles Borromeo, bishop, reformer, taught children the faith, fed the hungry, visited the sickest and got his clergy to, survived assassination attempt; see Catholic Encyclopedia, Wikipedia.
          • Passionist:  St. Charles Borromeo accepted Jesus' invitation to faith and service.   As bishop and cardinal, he encouraged the intellectual and moral growth of clergy and religious.  He helped author the Catechism of the Council of Trent (PDF, other formats), started the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD), and reached out to the poor, sick, hungry, and dying.
          • Sacred Space

            Please pray for all voters, candidates, and public officials this election day.

            Special greetings to and prayers for the community at
            St. Charles Borromeo parish and school!
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          November 3, 2014

          Nov. 3

          November 3, 2014:  Monday, 31st week, Ordinary Time


          • 'Hearts' suspenders:  Be united in heart (1st reading); my heart is not proud (psalm)
          • 'Peace sign' tie bar:  In you, Lord, I have found my peace. (psalm)
          • 'Eyeball' tie pin:  my eyes aren't haughty (psalm); when you hold a banquet, invite the blind (gospel)
          • 'Food on plates' tie:  Jesus went to dine with a leading Pharisee (gospel)
          Listen

          Pope Francis homily

          Love, unity, harmony is a grace, but we must do our part to help the Spirit create it; that's why Paul says to do nothing out of selfishness, vainglory, or infighting.  Rivalry and vainglory are worms that eat the fabric of the Church, going against harmony.  Instead, Paul recommends we humbly regard others as more important than ourselves, as he did.  Humble Martin de Porres served feeling all others were superior to him.  Paul urges us not to look out for our own interests:  Look for others' good; serve others.  Jesus wants the Church to be in accord; different opinions are fine, but within an atmosphere of humility and charity.

          It’s bad when people seek their own interests, not service or love.  Jesus says:  Don't do that; don't seek repayment. Inviting people who can't repay is gratuity. When there's harmony, there's unity, we don't seek our own interests, and there's an attitude of gratitude.  I do good; I don't strike a deal with good.  Ask, "Does my parish, my community, have this spirit:  love, unanimity, concord, humility, the vision that others are superior to us, without selfishness or vainglory?  If I find something to improve, how can I help improve it?"

          Read

            Wordle: Readings 11-4-14
          • Phil 2:1-4  Be of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart.  Do nothing out of selfishness or vainglory; humbly regard others as more important than yourselves.  Look out for others' interests.
          • Ps 131:1bcde, 2-3  "In you, O Lord, I have found my peace."  I'm not proud or busy with sublime things; I've stilled my soul like a weaned child.  Hope in the Lord...
          • Lk 14:12-14  “When you hold a banquet, don't invite friends, family, or wealthy neighbors, in case they invite you back and repay you.  No:  invite the poor, crippled, lame, and blind; you'll be blessed because they can't repay you.  You'll be repaid at the resurrection.”
          Saints, from Universalis
          Reflect
            • One Bread One Body:  "No more mind-games":  We must be of one mind, and we can't change others' minds to be like ours.  We can change our minds to the mind of Christ, serve one another, and so deepen our unity and become holy.
            • Passionist:  One way to regard others as more important [without concern for repayment]:  Hold Thanksgiving breakfast for people who don't have family in the area or at all....
            • DailyScripture.net:  The Lord is always ready to receive us at table.  Am I only generous to those who can repay me?  Generosity enriches the giver, and we can't outgive God.
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            November 2, 2014

            All Souls

            November 2, 2014:  Commemoration of all the faithful departed / All Souls

            Guest dresser:
            Mom, who turned 100 today.
            Please praise God for her
            and keep her in your prayers!

            • 'Peace sign' tie bar:  The souls of the just are in peace. (1st reading)
            • Gold-colored accoutrements:  As gold in the furnace, he proved them (1st reading)
            • 'Sheep' bar:  The Lord is my shepherd (psalm)
            • Green in blouse/shirt:  In verdant pastures he gives me repose (psalm); Ordinary Time (season)
            • Blue in blouse/tie:  Beside restful waters he leads me (psalm)
            • 'Silverware' bar:  You spread the table before me (psalm)
            • 'Hand' tie pin:  The souls of the just are in the hand of God... (1st reading)
            • 'Crown' tie: The Lord shall be their King forever. (1st reading)




            Listen
            For the 1st reading
            For the gospel
            But wait; there's more
            Pope Francis
            Angelus:   Yesterday's and today's celebrations are intimately linked; we rejoice through the intercession of the saints, share the tears of those separated from loved ones, and thank God who has delivered us from sin and death.   Remember everyone, even the unremembered:  victims of violence; little ones crushed by hunger and poverty, the anonymous in common graves, those killed because they're Christians, and those who sacrificed their life to serve others.   Church tradition has urged prayer for the dead; it's the best help we can give.  "Conscious of this communion of the whole Mystical Body of Christ, the Church... has cultivated... the memory of the dead" (Lumen Gentium 50).   It's a witness of hope, rooted in the certainty that death isn't the last word because we're destined to life without limits, rooted and fulfilled in God.  Pray:  

             God of mercy, we entrust to you all who have left this world for eternity, where you await all humanity, redeemed by your Son's blood.   When you judge, don't look at our poverty and weakness; look with pity and help us walk the path of purification.   May none of your children be lost.   We entrust our departed to you, those who died without the Sacraments or who didn't have the opportunity to repent.   May no one fear the encounter with you but rather hope for your merciful embrace.  May death find us watching in prayer and full of the good we've done.  M ay nothing distance us from you; may everything and everyone support us in our hope to rest in you.

            May the Virgin Mary, Gate of Heaven, who suffered the drama of Christ's death and participated in the joy of his resurrection, help us understand the value of prayer for the dead, support us in our pilgrimage on earth, and help us not lose sight of heaven, the goal of life.
            Thank you, Pope Francis, for your blessing of Mom on her centennial.

            • Wis 3:1-9  The souls of the just are in God's hands .   They seemed dead and their going from us destruction, but they're at peace, have hope, and will be blessed.  God proved them, found them worthy, and shall be their King.  They'll shine, judge, rule, and abide with Lord.
              Wordle: Readings 12-2-14
            • Ps 23:1-6  "The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want."  He's beside me, giving me rest, courage, refreshment, and guidance.  I fear no evil.  Kindness follows me; I'll dwell in God's house forever.
            • Rom 6:3-9  W e were baptized into Christ's death, buried with him so we, like he, might have new life.  United with him in death, we'll be united with him in the resurrection.  We were crucified with him so we might no longer be slaves to sin.  We who have died with Christ believe we'll live with him.   Christ, raised, dies no more; death has no power over him.
            • Jn 6:37-40  “Everything the Father gives me will come to me, and I won't reject anyone who comes to me.  The Father wants me to raise what he gave me to life.”
            Reflect
              • Creighton:  We can experience purgatory on earth.  What unhealthy habits keep me from deeper knowledge of God?  How can I embody loved ones' traits to help me better serve God?  God wants everyone who sees and believes in the Son to have eternal life and be raised on the last day.
              • One Bread One Body:  "Prayer on the other side of death":   Providing sacrifices for the dead was considered "excellent and noble" (2 Mc 12:43).  Many are confused or doubtful about praying for the dead, but the Holy Spirit will show us how to pray.
              • Passionist:   The death of a loved can be a very deep loss, or act of faith and "letting go." We're baptized into Christ's death that we may live with him.
              • DailyScripture.net:   God gives us his life and the desire for unending life and happiness.  Job:   "I know my Redeemer lives and will stand on the earth; and in my flesh I shall see God" (19:25-27).  David:  "M y heart is glad, my tongue rejoices, and my body will rest, because you won't abandon me... nor let me see decay.  You make known to me the path of life and will fill me with joy in your presence" (Ps 16:9-11).   The Lord makes his presence known in his word (Jn 14:23), the breaking of the bread, his church, and other ways to those with faith (Heb 12:2, 11:27).   To live, grow, and persevere, we must nourish faith with God's word.  Augustine:  "I believe to understand, and I understand to believe."  Do I recognize the Lord's presence in my life and long to see him face to face?  Is my life anchored to Christ and his kingdom?

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              November 1, 2014

              All Saints

              November 1, 2014:  All Saints

              • 'Angel' pin:  Angels around throne:  “Blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might to our God!” (1st reading)
              • White shirt:  Saints made their robes white in blood of the Lamb (1st reading)
              • 'Abacus' tie pin:  number of the marked (1st reading)
              • 'Faces' tie:  "Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face" (psalm); Saints (feast)
              • 'Eyeball' tie pin:  we shall see God (2nd reading)
              • 'Peace sign' tie bar:  "Blessed be the peacemakers" (gospel)
              • 'Hearts' suspenders:  God's love, Saints' love
              Listen
              Pope Francis

               Friday homily:  Jesus described the Pharisees as hypocrites for criticizing him after he healed on the Sabbath; they lived attached to law but not love or justice.  You look for proselytes then close the door to hope, love, and salvation?  The path to being faithful to the laws, without neglecting justice and love, is from love to integrity, love to discernment, love to the laws; it leads to holiness, salvation, and encounter with Jesus (vs. egoism, arrogance, and "holiness of appearances").  Jesus shows us the right path:  he draws close to us; it proves we're on the true path.  God chose to save us through closeness; he was made flesh.  We must make ourselves like others, like the needy, like those who need our help.  Jesus’ flesh, not the letter of the law, brings us closer to God.
              Angelus:  Today we praise God for all holy people, "last" for the world, "first" for God.  We remember our departed loved ones; it’s consoling they’re in the company of Mary, apostles, martyrs, and other saints.  The communion of saints unites all who belong to Christ.  There’s an unbreakable bond between us living in this world and those who have crossed the threshold of death.  We form one family; this communion takes place most intensely in the Eucharist.  We enter into communion with our brothers and sisters here and in heaven:  here helping us along our common road to heaven, and in heaven praying for us.  God reserved the first place in the assembly of saints for Mary, Mother of Jesus, unique custodian of the Christ-Church bond.  As caring mother and Jesus’ first disciple, she’s a safe guide for us, and we can entrust our desires and difficulties to her.  May the Queen of All Saints help us respond with generosity and faithfulness to God.

               Read
              • Rv 7:2-4, 9-14  Angel: “Do no damage until we put the seal on God's servants.”  144,000 were marked, from every tribe of Israel.  White-robed multitude: “Salvation comes from our God, seated on the throne, and from the Lamb!”  Angels worshiped:  “Blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might be to God!”  Elder:  “They made their robes white in the Blood of the Lamb.”
                Wordle: Readings 11-1-14
              • Ps 24:1bc-2, 3-4ab, 5-6  "Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face."  The Lord’s are the world and those who dwell in it.  Those with clean heart may stand in God's holy place; God will bless and reward them.
              • 1 Jn 3:1-3  See the Father's love:  We're God's children now and shall be like him; we'll see him as he is.  Hope.
              • Mt 5:1-12a  Jesus taught:  “Blessed the poor in spirit, mourners, meek, hungry for justice, merciful, clean of heart, peacemakers, persecuted, insulted; they'll be comforted, satisfied, shown mercy, rewarded, inherit the land, see God, be called God's children, be greatly rewarded.  Rejoice!
              Reflect
                • Creighton:  The feast of All Saints began to celebrate unrecorded martyrs who couldn't be individually commemorated, so we could take encouragement from them, a “cloud of witnesses” (Heb 12:1) cheering us to victory (an image from Greek games where previous winners cheered athletes on.  That’s part of what we mean by the “communion of saints.”  Those who went before us care and want us to follow in their footsteps. / We're saints now because the Spirit dwells in us through our baptism, through which we're God's children.  Paul urges his communities of “Saints,” whom he scolds for immorality, to be who they are, holy not from merit but from gift.  Celebrate the saints among us....
                • One Bread One Body:  'The Spirit of Hallowe'en"  We become holy by the Holy Spirit through whom we're baptized into one body.  As we follow the Spirit, we grow in holiness.  If by the Spirit we put evil deeds to death, pray, and love, we'll become holy.
                • Passionist:  Today we honor the "church triumphant" and celebrate the bond that ties the church together in the "communion of saints."  We believe our loved ones, though gone, are mysteriously present because death isn't the last word.  God first loved us.  We love each other, including those who have died before us.  Our love for them, theirs for us, and God's for us, endures beyond death. / Revelation was written to Christians in Asia Minor (now Turkey) under Roman imperial rule to challenge them to remain strong in faith and hope; today we read of the vision of the saints in heaven, triumphant, praising and thanking God.  Love triumphs over death; in us is the spark of the divine that will never die, a share in the Spirit that enables us to respond with love.  In the beatitudes Jesus lifts up virtues that lead to fullness of life.  Because we believe in the God of love, source of life, we live in hope.
                • DailyScripture.net:  Jesus says we can live a happy life by acting in line with the beatitudes.  Everyone longs for true happiness, and God alone can satisfy our deepest longings.  The beatitudes are a sign of contradiction to the world's way of happiness.  Do I know the happiness of hungering and thirsting for God alone?
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