All Saints' Day

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
"Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are you when people 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 in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matthew 5:1-12


All Saints' Day

We have left it all
the sorrow and the shame
the abuse and the misunderstanding
the grief of persecution
the loss of home and friends
we have left it all
at mercy's feet.

We have been bent and broken
torn from the earth too soon
slandered and beaten
poisoned and imprisoned
shackled and left for dead
and we offer it all for love.

We have left it all at
the feet of a loving savoir
who has held us and guided us
friend of the poor the wounded
he blesses us in our darkest days
bringing light and love
into this hurting world asking only
that we carry the light.

We have left it all
not harboring anger and hurt
knowing we are made for love
made for dancing and celebrating
in the darkest of hours
in the doomed shadows
among the deepest poverty
and the meanest of storms.

We have left it all
for we have been given all
to share, to live, to love
so that others might shine
in darkness for the light of the world.