Bible Study: Apocalypse 7:2-4,9-14, Ps. 24:1-6, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12a
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8)
Today, the Church honours all the saints in heaven thereby giving us an opportunity to reflect on our own lives and what it means to be in heaven. In the book of Daniel, we read:
“Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever” (Daniel 12:2-3).
As our first reading today puts it, anyone who has “washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” (Revelation 7:14) in heaven. In our second reading, St. John assures us that by virtue of our faith, we are already God’s children but we know we shall be like God because we shall see him as He is.
What does it mean to be like God or to see God as He is? Jesus answers this question in today’s Gospel passage with the beatitudes. Jesus lists out the qualities to be found in those who will enjoy the glory of heaven.
These qualities include poverty of spirit, mourning for the sins of the world, meekness, hunger and thirst for righteousness, being merciful, purity of heart, peace-making, and persecution for righteousness’ sake. So long as we pursue these, we know that sainthood is sure for us.
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, bless my aspiration for Sainthood. Amen.
Happy Sunday. Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (All Saints – Solemnity, Bible Study: Apocalypse 7:2-4,9-14, Ps. 24:1-6, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12a).