Sunday Readings: Revelation 7.2-4, 9-14; 1 John 3.1-3; Matthew 5.1-12
“Blessed are the poor in spirit; the kingdom of God is theirs.”
(Matthew 5.3)
When people identify the central message of Christianity, they will say loving God and neighbor or following the ten commandments. Rarely does anyone’s first response refer to the beatitudes. The thou-shalts and shalt-nots of the commandments are familiar. These actions break and erode the relationships that bind us together as the people of God.
Discerning what it means to be poor in spirit, sorrowful, merciful, pure of heart, peacemaking require more reflection. The beatitudes expand what the commandments to love God and neighbor ask of us. They challenge us to saintly living, so it makes sense to hear them as the gospel on the feast of All Saints.
Whom do you bless with your loving actions? Who blesses you?
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