Sunday ReadingsCommentary and Reflections

All Saints DayNovember 1, 2015

In preparation for this Sunday’s liturgyAs aid in focusing our homilies and sharing

Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

First Reading: Rev 7:2-4, 9-14 2 I, John, saw another angel come up from the East, holding the seal

of the living God. He cried out in a loud voice to the four angels who were given power to damage the land and the sea, 3 "Do not damage the land or the sea or the trees until we put the seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.“ 4 I heard the number of those who had been marked with the seal, one hundred and forty-four thousand marked from every tribe of the Israelites: 9 After this I had a vision of a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, people, and tongue. They stood before the throne and before the Lamb, wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. 10 They cried out in a loud voice: "Salvation comes from our God, who is seated on the throne, and from the Lamb.“ 11 All the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They prostrated themselves before the throne, worshiped God, 12 and exclaimed: "Amen. Blessing and glory, wisdom and thanksgiving, honor, power, and might be to our God forever and ever. Amen.“ 13 Then one of the elders spoke up and said to me, "Who are these wearing white robes, and where did they come from?“ 14 I said to him, "My lord, you are the one who knows." He said to me, "These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

The focus is on the saints in heaven.

First Reading: Rev 7:2-4, 9-14Vision of an angel 2 I, John, saw another angel come up from the East, holding the seal of the

living God. He cried out in a loud voice to the four angels who were given power to damage the land and the sea, 3 "Do not damage the land or the sea or the trees until we put the seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.“ 4 I heard the number of those who had been marked with the seal, one hundred and forty-four thousand marked from every tribe of the Israelites:

Vision of multitude 9 After this I had a vision of a great multitude, which no one could count, from

every nation, race, people, and tongue. They stood before the throne and before the Lamb, wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. 10 They cried out in a loud voice: "Salvation comes from our God, who is seated on the throne, and from the Lamb.“

Vision of angels, elders and 4 living creatures 11 All the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four

living creatures. They prostrated themselves before the throne, worshiped God, 12 and exclaimed: "Amen. Blessing and glory, wisdom and thanksgiving, honor, power, and might be to our God forever and ever. Amen.“

An elder 13 Then one of the elders spoke up and said to me, "Who are these wearing

white robes, and where did they come from?“ 14 I said to him, "My lord, you are the one who knows." He said to me, "These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

First Reading: Rev 7:2-4, 9-14Vision of an angel 2 I, John, saw another angel come up

from the East, holding the seal of the living God. He cried out in a loud voice to the four angels who were given power to damage the land and the sea, 3 "Do not damage the land or the sea or the trees until we put the seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.“ 4 I heard the number of those who had been marked with the seal, one hundred and forty-four thousand marked from every tribe of the Israelites:

Vision of multitude 9 After this I had a vision of a great

multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, people, and tongue. They stood before the throne and before the Lamb, wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. 10 They cried out in a loud voice: "Salvation comes from our God, who is seated on the throne, and from the Lamb.“

Commentary The book of Revelation employs a

symbolic language. Here the author John sees visions. In v.2, John sees another angel from

where the sun rises (East). He just saw 4 angels in v.1.

The seal is the mark of the signet ring of God, implying whoever is sealed belongs to God. They are protected by God against destruction. V.3

V.4 indicates the number protected: 12 x 12 tribes x 1000 = 144,000.

V.9 relates John’s vision of the great multitude of people (more than 144,000) from diverse origins.

They are distinguished as wearing white robes and holding palm branches.

In v.10, they acknowledge where salvation comes (from God and from the Lamb)

First Reading: Rev 7:2-4, 9-14Vision of angels, elders and 4 living

creatures 11 All the angels stood around the

throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They prostrated themselves before the throne, worshiped God, 12 and exclaimed: "Amen. Blessing and glory, wisdom and thanksgiving, honor, power, and might be to our God forever and ever. Amen.“

An elder 13 Then one of the elders spoke up

and said to me, "Who are these wearing white robes, and where did they come from?“ 14 I said to him, "My lord, you are the one who knows." He said to me, "These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

In vv.11-12, all the angels too worship God giving glory to him.

In v.13, an elder asks the author the identity of those wearing white robes.

In v.14, the author recognizes the one asking, “My Lord.”

The elder (Lord) answers his own question.

They are survivors of great distress and they have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb.

They suffered from martyrdom, following the footsteps of Christ.

Reflections on the 1st reading

The first reading describes what the saints in heaven are all about.

They bear the seal of God (they belong to God).

They wear white robes. Here on earth, they were the ones who

persevered in their faith during the time of persecution for the sake of Christ.

Saints are those who are willing to suffer for Christ.

Responsorial Ps 24:1bc-2, 3-4ab, 5-6 R. (see 6)  Lord, this is the people that longs to see

your face.

1 The LORD’s are the earth and its fullness;the world and those who dwell in it.2 For he founded it upon the seasand established it upon the rivers.

3 Who can ascend the mountain of the LORD?or who may stand in his holy place?4 One whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean,who desires not what is vain.

5 He shall receive a blessing from the LORD,a reward from God his savior.6 Such is the race that seeks him,that seeks the face of the God of Jacob.

Responsorial Ps 24:1bc-2, 3-4ab, 5-6 R. (see 6)  Lord, this is the people

that longs to see your face.

1 The LORD’s are the earth and its fullness;the world and those who dwell in it.2 For he founded it upon the seasand established it upon the rivers.

3 Who can ascend the mountain of the LORD?or who may stand in his holy place?4 One whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean,who desires not what is vain.

5 He shall receive a blessing from the LORD,a reward from God his savior.6 Such is the race that seeks him,that seeks the face of the God of Jacob.

Commentary The response describes

the predicament of the saints: those who long to see God’s face.

Vv.1-2 recognizes God as the owner of everything.

V.3 asks the questions who are worthy to face God.

V.4 is the answer: He who has sinless hands. He who does not desire

useless things. Vv.5-6 reiterate the

reward of the holy man / woman.

Reflections on the Psalm The psalm tells what the saints are. If they are still here on earth, they long to

see the face of God. In heaven, they see God face to face. Here on earth, the saints are not

contaminated by sin. They know their priorities. They do not set

their hearts on what is vain (trivial and useless).

Second Reading: 1 Jn 3:1-3

1 See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet so we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God's children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed. We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 Everyone who has this hope based on him makes himself pure, as he is pure.

The focus is on being like God.

Second Reading: 1 Jn 3:1-3 1 See what love the Father

has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet so we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God's children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed. We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 Everyone who has this hope based on him makes himself pure, as he is pure.

Commentary V.1 makes us appreciate the Father’s

love. It makes us his children. God’s children are not recognized by

the world, but first of all, the world does not recognize God.

V.2 recognizes that we Christians are God’s children.

We have a different future. We will be like God. We will see him as

he is. V.3 states that those who have this

hope will be made pure, like God.

Reflections on the second reading

The second reading tells what a saint is all about.

It is by God’s love that we become saints (his children).

The saints have a great future. They will be like God and will see God as

he is.

Gospel Reading: Mt 5:1-12a 1 When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he

had sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 He began to teach them, saying:

3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. 6 Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they

will be satisfied. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of

God. 10 Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of

righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter

every kind of evil against you (falsely) because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.

Gospel Reading: Mt 5:1-12a 1 When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he

had sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 He began to teach them, saying:

3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. 6 Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they

will be satisfied. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of

God. 10 Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of

righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter

every kind of evil against you (falsely) because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.

The focus is on being blessed.

Gospel Reading: Mt 5:1-12a 1 When he saw the crowds,

he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 He began to teach them, saying:

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

4 Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.

6 Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.

Commentary The gospel is about the beatitudes. The other word for blessed is happy or

fortunate… In vv.1-2, Jesus sits down before he

teaches. He follows the custom of the rabbis

when they teach. The poor in spirit are those who

recognize their powerlessness and they put their trust in God to rescue them. V.3

They who mourn are those who are sad because of the evil deeds of men. V.4

The meek are those who don’t parade their ego and authority to get things done. They are submissive to God. V.5

They who hunger and thirst.. are those who fight for justice and right living. V.6

Gospel Reading: Mt 5:1-12a 7 Blessed are the merciful, for

they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the clean of

heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the

peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

10 Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you (falsely) because of me.

12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.

Merciful are those who show pity and compassion to erring brothers and sisters, to the poor, to the neglected. V.7

Clean of heart are those whose motive is to accomplish God’s work, not to preach themselves. V.8

Peacemakers are those who broker peace among those in conflict. V.9

Persecuted for righteousness’ sake are those who work hard for godly behavior but are taunted. V.10

Insulted and persecuted because of Jesus are those who are known to be close to Jesus. V.11

V.12 is an exhortation to the blessed ones.

Reflections on the gospel reading The beatitudes are the checklist on how to become

saints (holy). Each Christian disciple must possess all the beatitudes,

not just one or two. We must constantly examine ourselves if we are really

following Christ, through the beatitudes. We know for sure if we are living according to the

beatitudes, if we feel joy in the heart. Precisely, to be “blessed” is to be happy and fortunate. The opposite of blessed is cursed, malas, unfortunate,

pitiful, and miserable. (No joy)

Tying the 3 readings and the Psalm

The first reading describes how people become saints. Their robes are washed white by the blood of the Lamb.

The psalm describes what saints are: they are sinless. Their attention is on spiritual things, not on material things.

The second reading tells us the destiny of being children of God, to be considered saints.

The gospel tells us who are blessed (saints).

How to develop your homily / sharing

You may tell something about your favorite saint. How did he/she become a saint? What do you

like about him/her? Today is All Saints’ Day. This is the day of many saints, not just one saint. This feast tells us that it is possible for us to

become saints, because many have become saints.

It invites us to become saints.

We may be uncomfortable with this kind of talk (becoming saints, when we see ourselves more as sinners).

We may have another expression which may be more acceptable to us but will challenge us just the same.

We talk about holiness. A Vatican II document (Lumen Gentium) tells us

that we are all called to holiness.

God calls everyone to be holy, not only the priests, nuns and religious, but also the laity, in all walks of life.

The Vatican Document simply defines holiness as Fullness of Christian life (following Christ in the

gospels, and living like Christ, receiving the sacraments, full communion with the Catholic Church)

Perfection of charity (love is expressed to everyone, to loved ones and to those who are not so close to us)

To learn how to be holy, we must make Jesus Christ our model.

We should not have any “idol” but Jesus Christ. There is no other way to know Jesus than

through the gospels and the liturgy. Personal and communal reflections on the Word

of God are prerequisites to know Jesus more and to be identified with him.

To be holy, we get guidance from our shepherds in the Church.

They are supposed to guide us in the practice of our faith in our socio-economic and political contexts.

Saints are not made in a vacuum. Holiness is tested in our concrete situations

which demand heroic acts, like total self-giving or self-sacrifice for the sake of Christ.

Today, we need modern saints. Those who resist graft and corruption in the name of

Christ. Those who shed their blood defending the

environment from wanton destruction. Those who refuse to be consumerist and steal the

future of the next generations. Those who promote good political and economic

order. Those who protect human rights. Those who risk their lives to save / help others in their

needs. Those who have time to pray daily.

Their love for Christ and their brethren is their sole motive in doing all these.

The eucharist is the food of the saints. There is no canonized saint that has refused to

receive the sacrament. The eucharist helps us become holy and saints.

Our Context of Sin and Grace

Evildoers Plotters Persecutors Rash judgments Criminal activities Evil structures Evil motives Greed False values

The saints in the hagiography

The living saints The living Mother

Teresas Prayerful priests,

nuns and lay Selfless Love

Suggested Songs

Beatitudes, by the Dameans http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkUOyrXUhQc

Mapapalad, by Ramirez, SJ Mapapalad, by Fr. Jerry Bitoon