From the Deacon’s Desk 11/1/2020

Dear Friends:

Today is the Feast of All Saints. It’s a wonderful day we set aside some time to think about those who have gone before us and have been declared by the church to be in heaven. An interesting point is that the church has declared many people to be in heaven. However, the church has never declared anyone to be in hell. This gives me a great deal of hope. I think all of us do the best we can to be good Catholic Christians. None of us is perfect, that’s for sure, but I truly believe that in the human heart there is goodness. I believe God put goodness there and he will help us to attain heaven one day. Our job is to be open to the love God offers us day after day, hour after hour.

Our reading from Matthew 5:1 –12a is one of my favorite readings. It’s the Beatitudes. There has been much discussion among Scripture scholars over this writing. Some scholars feel that this is a new set of commandments; others feel these are guidelines Jesus gave us to help us live holy lives. I have no idea who will win this debate, but I do know that in this reading, we can gain insight and the courage to live more like Jesus every day.

Perhaps this week we can each take a few moments and slowly, reflectively read through Matthew 5:1 -12a. Ask our favorite Saint to help us discern what the true meaning of this reading is for us. Then maybe we could choose one Beatitude per day or even one per week and do our best to practice it and see where it leads us. I think we’ll all be surprised.

Know that the Lord is with you always!

Peace and All Good!

Deacon Jim