Matthew 5:11-12
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.
Today is the solemnity of All Saints. The day stems from the belief that there is a powerful spiritual bond between those in heaven (the "Church triumphant"), and the living (the "Church militant"). In Catholic theology, the day commemorates all those who have attained the beatific vision in Heaven. We all strive to be saints. Our goal on this earth is to get to heaven for eternity. As parents our role is to make sure we teach the faith so that our children can also find a place with God. As Christians, we are called to assist others to attain that same promise. Who are the saints? The church recognizes those people who have lived a life in Christ in all they did or tried to do. In today's reading from Matthew, Jesus tells us about the "blesseds." If we can do all these thing mentioned in Matthew 5, and through God's unending grace, we can get there. There are many days when we feel insulted, bullied, confused, falsely accused of something or looked down on because of your faith. Jesus promises that our reward will be great in heaven. We must keep the faith at all times, especially when times get tough. Many of the saints have been martyred. They gave all for Christ. What part can you give?
