This feast had a two-fold purpose.  One purpose was to venerate all of the saints and martyrs on this special feast.  There simply were not enough days in the calendar year to honor all of the women and men who had been canonized saints by the Catholic Church.  The church also recognized that throughout the centuries, there also were many other holy women and men who had not formally been named a saint.   Thus, the Feast of All Saints was instituted as a feast day that was inclusive of all the saints, named and unnamed.   

 The Gospel chosen for this feast day is the Beatitudes.  How very appropriate.  Matthew writes: “When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up the mountain.” As always, Jesus’ disciples followed Him.  Jesus then began to teach them.  He said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God!”  Then He continued on naming the other seven Beatitudes. 

The Beatitudes truly are “be” attitudes.  On this Feast of All Saints, may we remember and give thanks for the many individuals in our lives who daily lived out the Beatitudes.  These men and women (the saints named and unnamed) incorporated in their daily lives this teaching of Jesus.  Who do you know who truly lives out these be-attitudes?  Do you consciously strive to live and embody the Beatitudes in your daily life? 

These “be-attitudes” have the potential to change our lives and hearts if we strive to embody them every day of our lives.  Are we willing to give ourselves to this endeavour?  If we do so, we also will impact our world just as the Saints did!  And to our surprise, we may be transformed as we daily strive to live the “be-attitudes!”

​