November 1, All Saints

Lord, this is the people that longs to see Your face.--Psalm 24:(see 6)

Mass readings: Revelation 7:2-4,9-14 / 1 John 3:1-3 / Matthew 5:1-12

Character Test or Character Sketch?

Are you intrigued by personality or character tests that claim to reveal what kind of person you are? The Beatitudes (Mt 5:3-12a) is not one of them! These don't describe eight different characters, but eight facets of just one character -- the character of a Christian. All Christians are called to demonstrate all these qualities! No wonder Jesus called this a righteousness that ''surpasses'' that of the Pharisees! (Mt 5:20).

Jesus isn't saying, ''Live like this so that you can enter God's kingdom.'' Instead, He's giving a character sketch of those who have already entered God's kingdom by repenting (Mt 4:17) and believing the good news. In other words, Jesus is saying, ''Live like this because you are Kingdom people.'' Saints are but forgiven sinners who have entered God's kingdom.

Prayer: Holy Lord, help me to live as a saint, because that's who You created me to be.