Happy are you

Feast of All Saints Year A - 1st November 2020

Gospel Matthew 5: 1–12

Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up the hill. There he sat down and was joined by his disciples. Then he began to speak. This is what he taught them:

‘How happy are the poor in spirit; theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Happy the gentle: they shall inherit the earth for their heritage. Happy those who mourn: they shall be comforted.

Happy those who hunger and thirst for what is right: they shall be satisfied.

Happy the merciful: they shall have mercy shown them. Happy the pure in heart: they shall see God.

Happy the peacemakers: they shall be called sons of God. Happy those who are persecuted in the cause of right: theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Happy are you when people abuse you and persecute you and speak all kinds of calumny against you on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.’

All Saints

Reflection from St Beuno's Outreach

After stilling myself and allowing the busyness of my mind to settle, I consciously place myself before the Lord.

I ask for the grace to open my heart, body and mind to his presence.

I lovingly read this familiar Gospel scene with a curious mind, hoping that I may be open to the possibility of hearing a truth for the first  me.

It may deepen my prayer to use my imagination to enter more fully into the Gospel scene. I see, hear and feel the crowds ... perhaps I am one of them?

What do I notice when Jesus starts to speak and teach?

How do people react to him ...? How do I react? What do I feel?

Is there a Beatitude that speaks to my own lived experience?

I imagine the crowd leaving, until only Jesus and myself remain sitting on the hillside.

I share with Jesus my deepest desires ...

I sit .... I listen ...

When I am ready, I leave the hillside too, and close my prayer with my own words of gratitude.

Click here to read or listen to a one-minute homily on this Sunday's readings!