Sinner to Saint

All  Saints Day


Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up the hill. There he sat down and was joined by his disciples. Then he began to speak. This is what he taught them:
  ‘How happy are the poor in spirit;
  theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
  Happy the gentle:
  they shall have the earth for their heritage.
  Happy those who mourn:
  they shall be comforted.
  Happy those who hunger and thirst for what is right:
  they shall be satisfied.
  Happy the merciful:
  they shall have mercy shown them.
  Happy the pure in heart:
  they shall see God.
  Happy the peacemakers:
  they shall be called sons of God.
  Happy those who are persecuted in the cause of right:
  theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
  Happy are you when people abuse you and persecute you
  and speak all kinds of calumny against you on my account.
  Rejoice and be glad,
  for your reward will be great in heaven.’
Matthew 5:1-12

Jesus sits down and gives His first great teaching, the Sermon on the Mount, a blue-print for an authentic Christian life. He starts His teaching by listing the attributes to happiness: - poverty, gentleness, mourning, righteousness, mercy, purity, peacefulness and being persecuted for Him.

Today is All Saints Day, instituted to honour all the saints, known and unknown.  The Church has selected the Beatitudes for today's Gospel, exemplifying saintly character.  These are characteristics I am called to live if I want an authentic Catholic life.  The bar is set.  Am I up to it?  With God's help all things are possible, even turning a sinner into a saint.

Lord Jesus, You know my sins, You know my virtues.  Help me Lord be a saintly witness for You today.
All Saints, please pray for me.