Friday 1 November 2019
All Saints
Apocalypse 7:2-4, 9-14. Psalm 23(24):1-6. 1 John 3:1-3. Matthew 5:1-12.
Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face – Psalm 23(24):1-6.
‘Blessed are the poor . . .’
When the Beatitudes are lived out, they make sense. Francis of Assisi cast off riches, choosing a life of simplicity. Many come to value this ideal. The Dalai Lama responds gently to violence and aggression. Mahatma Gandhi espoused non-violent resistance and inspired a movement. The mothers of the Plaza de Mayo in Argentina stood every Thursday holding photos of their abducted and ‘vanished’ children, victims of the military dictatorship from 1976-1983, inspiring others to speak out for human rights. Civil rights workers in the US marched and acted for equality for African Americans despite being stoned, assaulted and imprisoned. The single-minded compassion of Jacinda Ardern in Christchurch touched us all. Fathers forgave their children’s murderers there and in Melbourne. Dag Hammarskjold died trying to bring peace to the Congo. St Oscar Romero was persecuted and killed for supporting the oppressed.
Jesus, help me follow their example.
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