The Template for Holiness

 

 Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount

5 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, ² and he began to teach them.

The Beatitudes

He said:

³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
 

⁴ Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
⁵ Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
⁷ Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

¹¹ “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

As we honor, celebrate and give thanks for all the saints today, we also realize that the Beatitudes lay out a template for our own call to be saints.  Incorporating them into our lives, living them as best we can should put us on the road to holiness. It's not an easy road and certainly one that will take a lifetime, but as this Solemnity reminds us, it is possible; see how many have reached the rank of sainthood.  Why settle for anything less? We are not alone; they will help us and certainly it is God's will, God's destiny for us as well as it was for those whom we celebrate today.  Let us ask for their help to follow them along that narrow path that leads us to holiness, our true destiny.

Bro Rene

Dear God, open my ears and heart to hear and answer the call to holiness as did the saints whom we celebrate today. Amen.