Solemnity of All Saints

The saints are not \"up there\" distant and out of reach; they are our spiritual family. Some live among us. �Once you enter into friendship with God, everything in your life begins to change � You are attracted to the practice of virtue.��Pope Benedict on sainthood.

First Reading.�Apocalypse 7:2-4,9-14

�a huge number, impossible to count of people, from every nation, race, tribe and language�

Psalm 23:1-6

Lord this is the people that longs to see your face.

Second Reading.�1 John 3:1-3

We shall be like God because we shall see him as he really is.

Gospel. Matthew 5:1-12

Today\'s Gospel features the Beatitudes or Blessings. \'He began to teach them, saying: �Blessed are the poor in spirit,�for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.�

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Jesus,�we pray with those who are poor in spirit,

and all who hunger and thirst now

for righteousness.

St. Francis of Assisi,�show us how to reverence and care for

brother earth and sister skies.

St. Mother Theresa�teach us how to feed all God�s

hungry people.�

St. Albert the Great,�show our scientists all the ways

to create vaccines to end�the Pandemic.

St.Luke,�protect doctors, nurses and

all in the medical profession�taking�care of the sick.

Saints Martin de Porres and Peter Claver,�teach us how to find inter-racial�

justice and harmony.�

Saint Peter Chanel, who brought�courage and humble service

to the mission within Oceania.�May we too bring love and compassion

to those in need.

Venerable Suzanne Aubert. who devoted her life to the poor,

the sick and the underprivileged�show us the way to do the same.

Amen

Adapted from Anne Osdieck, St Louis University,�& from the Sisters of Compassion Aotearoa New Zealand.

Painting of Communion of Saints in the Baptistry in Padua.