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
There are so many saints that do not get recognized in our church calendars. Yet those who have been faithful in previous generations, those who have suffered, been maligned, abused, tortured and misunderstood are counted among the saints. our Creator's love is not limited to our understanding of righteousness and faithfulness. So many people do not know who their ancestors were and ache to understand their lives and their sacrifices. Known or unknown they have been blessed and given the kingdom of heaven.
Loving God, you blessed our ancestors
and bless the 7th generation yet unborn
draw near to us this All Saints' Day
and help us remember the saints before us.
With little regard for themselves
they suffered and sacrificed for others
they lived lives of honor and humility
serving others first with no selfishness.
Help us to follow in the saints' footsteps
let us be those who show love in service
make us those who see God in our neighbor
and help us be a blessing in our time. Amen.
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