Saints + Scripture: Solemnity of All Saints

'Tis the Solemnity of All Saints (A.K.A. All Hallows' Day): All Saints-link ūnus, All Saints-link duo, & Wikipedia-link All Hallows; Wikipedia-link Allhallowtide.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

All Saints' Day is a solemn holy day of the Catholic Church celebrated annually on 1 November. The day is dedicated to the saints of the Church, that is, all those who have attained Heaven. In Catholic theology, the day commemorates all those who have attained the beatific vision in Heaven. It is a national holiday in many historically Catholic countries.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Solemnity of All Saints
The Book of Revelation, chapter seven, verses two, three, four, & nine thru fourteen;
Psalm Twenty-four, verses one(b/c) & two, three & four(a/b), & five & six;
The First Letter of John, chapter three, verses one, two, & three;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter five, verses one thru twelve(a).

Commentary: Reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):

Friends, our Gospel for today is one of the most beautiful and important in the New Testament: the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount, the eight Beatitudes. Why is it so important? Because it is the Son of God telling us how to be happy. It is the one who can’t be wrong telling us how to achieve that which each of us most basically wants. What could be more compelling?

At the heart of Jesus’ program are these Beatitudes: "Blessed are the merciful" and "Blessed are the peacemakers." These name the very heart of the spiritual program, for they name the ways that we participate most directly in the divine life.

One of the most important words to describe God in the Old Testament is chesed (tender mercy). The New Testament version of this is found in the first letter of John: God is agape (love). Everything else we say about God should be seen as an aspect of this chesed and this agape. Chesed is compassion; agape is willing the good of the other. Therefore, if you want to be happy, desire to be like God. Do it and you’ll be happy.

Video reflection by Father Roger Lopez, O.F.M.: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Papal Quote o' the Day

"Christians need human examples in order to better follow God. Let us not overlook this most effective means to holiness, that of following the example of those who preceded us."
—Pope St. Paul VI (1897-1978, feast day: 26 September)

Little Flower Quote o' the Day

"I am certain that even if I had on my conscience every imaginable crime, I should lose nothing of my confidence; rather I would hurry, with a heart broken with sorrow, to throw myself into the Arms of my Jesus."
—St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church (1873-1897, feast day: 1 October)

Catholic Quote o' the Day

"There is only one tragedy in the end, not to have been a saint."
—Léon Bloy (1846-1917)