A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 5:1-12a
Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down his disciples came to him.
And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you.
REFLECTION: Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you
Thank God for Saints!!!!
The Saints are fellow brothers and sisters who belonged to God while on earth and have continued in that most holy place called heaven, glorifying and praising Our God, the Creator. By their prayers they help us here on earth with our struggles. The beatitudes in the gospel reading are our roadmap in achieving our goal of true happiness. The call for holiness can be found in the eight beatitudes --they teach us about God's kingdom, the abundant life with God, and the unending promise of joy and happiness with God forever.
It is in this longing of happiness in the company of God that the Saints have shown us in their own lives, how to fight that critical battle for our souls. And they not only fought the good fight here on earth, but now in heaven continue to fight with us against the adversary , the Devil, who prowls like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. The Saints intercede for us and also engage the enemy in battle. The Saints can show us how they used prayer and fasting, the sacraments, sacramentals, scriptures, and Mass to resist the Devil and win the battle.
The Saints have won their battle but they, in no way, stand alone with their halo in place, not doing anything. They, too, share in the triumph of Christ over death. The Church Triumphant (the Saints) will do battle along side the Church Militant (us), with Jesus, the King in the center , surrounded by his mighty army of angels.
Let us not forget that if we happen to be fortunate to have won the battle and entered heaven to abide with God for eternity, the baton has been passed down to us to engage for and fight for those left on earth. It is our duty now and then to save souls for God.
PRAYER: Let us pray with one another that our struggle here on earth will have a happy ending. Pick up a book on the saints and become their charge.
Saint Padre Pio, pray for us. St Dominic, pray for us. St Francis of Assisi, pray for us. St John Vianney, pray for us, St Ignatius Loyola pray for us, St Alphonsus Liguori, pray for us, St Teresa of Avila, pray for us
St John Paul II pray for us, St. Brother Andre pray for us,
St Therese Lisieux, pray for us.
Keep us steadfast and away from fears and despair. AMEN
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