"REMEMBERING THE SAINTS"
Fist Reading: Apocalypse 7: 2-4. 9-14
Second Reading: 1 John 3: 1-3
Gospel Reading: Matthew 5: 1-12
* Fist reading is from the book of Apocalypse (Revelations). This passage gives a vivid vision of the victorious followers of Christ in the heavenly Kingdom. They are from every nation, race, tribe and language. Hence the universality of salvation through Jesus Christ (the Lamb) in whose blood they were washed clear is pointed out.
* Second reading is from the first letter of St. John. In this passage, St. John tells us that in heaven, we are going to see God as He is. However, we are asked to be like Christ here on earth to have this vision of God.
"The Beatitudes"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. This passage gives the discourse of Jesus on the mountain where the "Beatitudes" are described. These are the qualities that Jesus wishes to see in His disciples. These are the qualities exemplified in the lives of Saints.
In the "Beatitudes" we see the reversal of values in the Kingdom of God opposed to the values of the world.
1. Blessed are the poor- opposed to the rich who are considered blessed in the world.
2.Blessed are those who mourn - opposed to those who enjoy life in the world.
3. Blessed are the meek - opposed to those who are proud.
4. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst - opposed to those who have their fill in the world.
5. Blessed are the merciful - opposed to those who are cruel and arrogant.
6. Blessed are the pure in heart - opposed to those who manipulate and deceive others .
7. Blessed are the peace makers - opposed to those who are war mongers.
8. Blessed are those who are persecuted and suffer all kinds of evil.- opposed to those who do not face any sufferings and pain and enjoy life at the expense of others.
Saints are people who are blessed by Jesus because they lived lives according to Gospel values. Saints are people with moral and spiritual values whose concern is the need of the neighbour. To be part of the company of saints we must accept the path of Jesus in our life journey and be blessed in return.
Fist Reading: Apocalypse 7: 2-4. 9-14
Second Reading: 1 John 3: 1-3
Gospel Reading: Matthew 5: 1-12
* Fist reading is from the book of Apocalypse (Revelations). This passage gives a vivid vision of the victorious followers of Christ in the heavenly Kingdom. They are from every nation, race, tribe and language. Hence the universality of salvation through Jesus Christ (the Lamb) in whose blood they were washed clear is pointed out.
* Second reading is from the first letter of St. John. In this passage, St. John tells us that in heaven, we are going to see God as He is. However, we are asked to be like Christ here on earth to have this vision of God.
"The Beatitudes"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. This passage gives the discourse of Jesus on the mountain where the "Beatitudes" are described. These are the qualities that Jesus wishes to see in His disciples. These are the qualities exemplified in the lives of Saints.
In the "Beatitudes" we see the reversal of values in the Kingdom of God opposed to the values of the world.
1. Blessed are the poor- opposed to the rich who are considered blessed in the world.
2.Blessed are those who mourn - opposed to those who enjoy life in the world.
3. Blessed are the meek - opposed to those who are proud.
4. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst - opposed to those who have their fill in the world.
5. Blessed are the merciful - opposed to those who are cruel and arrogant.
6. Blessed are the pure in heart - opposed to those who manipulate and deceive others .
7. Blessed are the peace makers - opposed to those who are war mongers.
8. Blessed are those who are persecuted and suffer all kinds of evil.- opposed to those who do not face any sufferings and pain and enjoy life at the expense of others.
Saints are people who are blessed by Jesus because they lived lives according to Gospel values. Saints are people with moral and spiritual values whose concern is the need of the neighbour. To be part of the company of saints we must accept the path of Jesus in our life journey and be blessed in return.
