All Saints Day 2013

Welcome to our Bible Welcome to our Bible StudyStudyAll Saints DayAll Saints Day

1 November 20131 November 2013In preparation for this Sunday’s liturgyIn preparation for this Sunday’s liturgy

In aid of focusing our homilies and sharingIn aid of focusing our homilies and sharing

Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

First Reading: Rev 7:2-4, 9-14First Reading: Rev 7:2-4, 9-14 2 I, John, saw another angel come up from the East, holding the seal of

the living God. He cried out in a loud voice to the four angels who were given power to damage the land and the sea, 3 "Do not damage the land or the sea or the trees until we put the seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.“ 4 I heard the number of those who had been marked with the seal, one hundred and forty-four thousand marked from every tribe of the Israelites: 9 After this I had a vision of a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, people, and tongue. They stood before the throne and before the Lamb, wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. 10 They cried out in a loud voice: "Salvation comes from our God, who is seated on the throne, and from the Lamb.“ 11 All the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They prostrated themselves before the throne, worshiped God, 12 and exclaimed: "Amen. Blessing and glory, wisdom and thanksgiving, honor, power, and might be to our God forever and ever. Amen.“ 13 Then one of the elders spoke up and said to me, "Who are these wearing white robes, and where did they come from?“ 14 I said to him, "My lord, you are the one who knows." He said to me, "These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

First Reading: Rev 7:2-4, 9-14First Reading: Rev 7:2-4, 9-14 2 I, John, saw another angel come up from the East, holding the seal of

the living God. He cried out in a loud voice to the four angels who were given power to damage the land and the sea, 3 "Do not damage the land or the sea or the trees until we put the seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.“ 4 I heard the number of those who had been marked with the seal, one hundred and forty-four thousand marked from every tribe of the Israelites: 9 After this I had a vision of a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, people, and tongue. They stood before the throne and before the Lamb, wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. 10 They cried out in a loud voice: "Salvation comes from our God, who is seated on the throne, and from the Lamb.“ 11 All the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They prostrated themselves before the throne, worshiped God, 12 and exclaimed: "Amen. Blessing and glory, wisdom and thanksgiving, honor, power, and might be to our God forever and ever. Amen.“ 13 Then one of the elders spoke up and said to me, "Who are these wearing white robes, and where did they come from?“ 14 I said to him, "My lord, you are the one who knows." He said to me, "These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

The focus is on the saints in heaven.

First Reading: Rev 7:2-4, 9-14First Reading: Rev 7:2-4, 9-14Vision of an angel 2 I, John, saw another angel come up from the East, holding the seal of the

living God. He cried out in a loud voice to the four angels who were given power to damage the land and the sea, 3 "Do not damage the land or the sea or the trees until we put the seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.“ 4 I heard the number of those who had been marked with the seal, one hundred and forty-four thousand marked from every tribe of the Israelites:

Vision of multitude 9 After this I had a vision of a great multitude, which no one could count, from

every nation, race, people, and tongue. They stood before the throne and before the Lamb, wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. 10 They cried out in a loud voice: "Salvation comes from our God, who is seated on the throne, and from the Lamb.“

Vision of angels, elders and 4 living creatures 11 All the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four

living creatures. They prostrated themselves before the throne, worshiped God, 12 and exclaimed: "Amen. Blessing and glory, wisdom and thanksgiving, honor, power, and might be to our God forever and ever. Amen.“

An elder 13 Then one of the elders spoke up and said to me, "Who are these wearing

white robes, and where did they come from?“ 14 I said to him, "My lord, you are the one who knows." He said to me, "These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

First Reading: Rev 7:2-4, 9-14First Reading: Rev 7:2-4, 9-14Vision of an angel 2 I, John, saw another angel come up

from the East, holding the seal of the living God. He cried out in a loud voice to the four angels who were given power to damage the land and the sea, 3 "Do not damage the land or the sea or the trees until we put the seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.“ 4 I heard the number of those who had been marked with the seal, one hundred and forty-four thousand marked from every tribe of the Israelites:

Vision of multitude 9 After this I had a vision of a great

multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, people, and tongue. They stood before the throne and before the Lamb, wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. 10 They cried out in a loud voice: "Salvation comes from our God, who is seated on the throne, and from the Lamb.“

CommentaryCommentary The book of Revelation employs a The book of Revelation employs a

symbolic language.symbolic language. Here the author John sees visions.Here the author John sees visions. In v.2, John sees another angel from In v.2, John sees another angel from

where the sun rises (East). He just where the sun rises (East). He just saw 4 angels in v.1.saw 4 angels in v.1.

The seal is the mark of the signet The seal is the mark of the signet ring of God, implying whoever is ring of God, implying whoever is sealed belongs to God. They are sealed belongs to God. They are protected by God against protected by God against destruction. V.3destruction. V.3

V.4 indicates the number protected: V.4 indicates the number protected: 12 x 12 tribes x 1000 = 144,000.12 x 12 tribes x 1000 = 144,000.

V.9 relates John’s vision of the great V.9 relates John’s vision of the great multitude of people (more than multitude of people (more than 144,000) from diverse origins.144,000) from diverse origins.

They are distinguished as wearing They are distinguished as wearing white robes and holding palm white robes and holding palm branches.branches.

In v.10, they acknowledge where In v.10, they acknowledge where salvation comes (from God and from salvation comes (from God and from the Lamb)the Lamb)

First Reading: Rev 7:2-4, 9-14First Reading: Rev 7:2-4, 9-14Vision of angels, elders and 4 living

creatures 11 All the angels stood around the

throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They prostrated themselves before the throne, worshiped God, 12 and exclaimed: "Amen. Blessing and glory, wisdom and thanksgiving, honor, power, and might be to our God forever and ever. Amen.“

An elder 13 Then one of the elders spoke up

and said to me, "Who are these wearing white robes, and where did they come from?“ 14 I said to him, "My lord, you are the one who knows." He said to me, "These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

In vv.11-12, all the angels too worship In vv.11-12, all the angels too worship God giving glory to him.God giving glory to him.

In v.13, an elder asks the author the In v.13, an elder asks the author the identity of those wearing white robes.identity of those wearing white robes.

In v.14, the author recognizes the one In v.14, the author recognizes the one asking, “My Lord.”asking, “My Lord.”

The elder (Lord) answers his own The elder (Lord) answers his own question.question.

They are survivors of great distress They are survivors of great distress and they have washed their robes in and they have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb. the blood of the Lamb.

They suffered from martyrdom, They suffered from martyrdom, following the footsteps of Christ. following the footsteps of Christ.

Reflections on the 1Reflections on the 1stst reading reading

The first reading describes what the saints in heaven are The first reading describes what the saints in heaven are all about.all about.

They bear the seal of God They bear the seal of God (they belong to God).(they belong to God).

They wear white robes.They wear white robes. Here on earth, they were the ones who persevered in Here on earth, they were the ones who persevered in

their faith during the time of persecution for the sake of their faith during the time of persecution for the sake of Christ.Christ.

Saints are those who are willing to suffer for Christ.Saints are those who are willing to suffer for Christ.

Responsorial Responsorial Ps 24:1bc-2, 3-4ab, 5-6Ps 24:1bc-2, 3-4ab, 5-6 R. (see 6)  R. (see 6)  Lord, this is the people that longs to see Lord, this is the people that longs to see

your face.your face.

1 The LORD’s are the earth and its fullness;1 The LORD’s are the earth and its fullness;the world and those who dwell in it.the world and those who dwell in it.2 For he founded it upon the seas2 For he founded it upon the seasand established it upon the rivers.and established it upon the rivers.

3 Who can ascend the mountain of the LORD?3 Who can ascend the mountain of the LORD?or who may stand in his holy place?or who may stand in his holy place?4 One whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean,4 One whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean,who desires not what is vain.who desires not what is vain.

5 He shall receive a blessing from the LORD,5 He shall receive a blessing from the LORD,a reward from God his savior.a reward from God his savior.6 Such is the race that seeks him,6 Such is the race that seeks him,that seeks the face of the God of Jacob.that seeks the face of the God of Jacob.

Responsorial Responsorial Ps 24:1bc-2, 3-4ab, 5-6Ps 24:1bc-2, 3-4ab, 5-6 R. (see 6)  R. (see 6)  Lord, this is the people Lord, this is the people

that longs to see your face.that longs to see your face.

1 The LORD’s are the earth and its 1 The LORD’s are the earth and its fullness;fullness;the world and those who dwell in it.the world and those who dwell in it.2 For he founded it upon the seas2 For he founded it upon the seasand established it upon the rivers.and established it upon the rivers.

3 Who can ascend the mountain of 3 Who can ascend the mountain of the LORD?the LORD?or who may stand in his holy place?or who may stand in his holy place?4 One whose hands are sinless, 4 One whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean,whose heart is clean,who desires not what is vain.who desires not what is vain.

5 He shall receive a blessing from 5 He shall receive a blessing from the LORD,the LORD,a reward from God his savior.a reward from God his savior.6 Such is the race that seeks him,6 Such is the race that seeks him,that seeks the face of the God of that seeks the face of the God of Jacob.Jacob.

CommentaryCommentary The response describes The response describes

the predicament of the the predicament of the saints: those who long to saints: those who long to see God’s face.see God’s face.

Vv.1-2 recognizes God as Vv.1-2 recognizes God as the owner of everything.the owner of everything.

V.3 asks the questions V.3 asks the questions who are worthy to face who are worthy to face God.God.

V.4 is the answer:V.4 is the answer: He who has sinless hands.He who has sinless hands. He who does not desire He who does not desire

useless things.useless things. Vv.5-6 reiterate the Vv.5-6 reiterate the

reward of the holy man / reward of the holy man / woman.woman.

Reflections on the PsalmReflections on the Psalm The psalm tells what the saints are.The psalm tells what the saints are. If they are still here on earth, they long to see If they are still here on earth, they long to see

the face of God.the face of God. In heaven, they see God face to face.In heaven, they see God face to face. Here on earth, the saints are not contaminated Here on earth, the saints are not contaminated

by sin.by sin. They know their priorities. They do not set their They know their priorities. They do not set their

hearts on what is vain (trivial and useless).hearts on what is vain (trivial and useless).

Second Reading: 1 Jn 3:1-3 Second Reading: 1 Jn 3:1-3

1 See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet so we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God's children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed. We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 Everyone who has this hope based on him makes himself pure, as he is pure.

Second Reading: 1 Jn 3:1-3 Second Reading: 1 Jn 3:1-3

1 See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet so we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God's children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed. We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 Everyone who has this hope based on him makes himself pure, as he is pure.

The focus is on being like God.

Second Reading: 1 Jn 3:1-3 Second Reading: 1 Jn 3:1-3 1 See what love the Father

has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet so we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God's children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed. We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 Everyone who has this hope based on him makes himself pure, as he is pure.

CommentaryCommentary V.1 makes us appreciate the Father’s V.1 makes us appreciate the Father’s

love.love. It makes us his children.It makes us his children. God’s children are not recognized by God’s children are not recognized by

the world, but first of all, the world does the world, but first of all, the world does not recognize God.not recognize God.

V.2 recognizes that we Christians are V.2 recognizes that we Christians are God’s children.God’s children.

We have a different future.We have a different future. We will be like God. We will see him as We will be like God. We will see him as

he is.he is. V.3 states that those who have this V.3 states that those who have this

hope will be made pure, like God.hope will be made pure, like God.

Reflections on the second readingReflections on the second reading

The second reading tells what a saint is all The second reading tells what a saint is all about.about.

It is by God’s love that we become saints (his It is by God’s love that we become saints (his children).children).

The saints have a great future.The saints have a great future. They will be like God and will see God as he is.They will be like God and will see God as he is.

Gospel Reading: Mt 5:1-12aGospel Reading: Mt 5:1-12a 1 When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he

had sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 He began to teach them, saying:

3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. 6 Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they

will be satisfied. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of

God. 10 Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of

righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter

every kind of evil against you (falsely) because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.

Gospel Reading: Mt 5:1-12aGospel Reading: Mt 5:1-12a 1 When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he

had sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 He began to teach them, saying:

3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. 6 Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they

will be satisfied. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of

God. 10 Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of

righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter

every kind of evil against you (falsely) because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.

The focus is on being blessed.

Gospel Reading: Mt 5:1-12aGospel Reading: Mt 5:1-12a 1 When he saw the crowds,

he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 He began to teach them, saying:

3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.

6 Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.

CommentaryCommentary The gospel is about the beatitudes.The gospel is about the beatitudes. The other word for blessed is happy or The other word for blessed is happy or

fortunate…fortunate… In vv.1-2, Jesus sits down before he In vv.1-2, Jesus sits down before he

teaches.teaches. He follows the custom of the rabbis He follows the custom of the rabbis

when they teach.when they teach. The The poor in spiritpoor in spirit are those who are those who

recognize their powerlessness and they recognize their powerlessness and they put their trust in God to rescue them. V.3put their trust in God to rescue them. V.3

They who mournThey who mourn are those who are sad are those who are sad because of the evil deeds of men. V.4because of the evil deeds of men. V.4

The meekThe meek are those who don’t parade are those who don’t parade their ego and authority to get things their ego and authority to get things done. They are submissive to God. V.5done. They are submissive to God. V.5

They who hunger and thirst..They who hunger and thirst.. are those are those who fight for justice and right living. V.6who fight for justice and right living. V.6

Gospel Reading: Mt 5:1-12aGospel Reading: Mt 5:1-12a 7 Blessed are the merciful, for

they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the clean of

heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the

peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

10 Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you (falsely) because of me.

12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.

MercifulMerciful are those who show pity are those who show pity and compassion to erring brothers and compassion to erring brothers and sisters, to the poor, to the and sisters, to the poor, to the neglected. V.7neglected. V.7

Clean of heartClean of heart are those whose are those whose motive is to accomplish God’s motive is to accomplish God’s work, not to preach themselves. work, not to preach themselves. V.8V.8

Peacemakers Peacemakers are those who are those who broker peace among those in broker peace among those in conflict. V.9conflict. V.9

Persecuted for righteousness’ sakePersecuted for righteousness’ sake are those who work hard for godly are those who work hard for godly behavior but are taunted. V.10behavior but are taunted. V.10

Insulted and persecutedInsulted and persecuted because because of Jesus are those who are known of Jesus are those who are known to be close to Jesus. V.11to be close to Jesus. V.11

V.12 is an exhortation to the V.12 is an exhortation to the blessed ones. blessed ones.

Reflections on the gospel readingReflections on the gospel reading The The beatitudesbeatitudes are the checklist on how to become are the checklist on how to become

saints (holy).saints (holy). Each Christian disciple must possess all the Each Christian disciple must possess all the beatitudesbeatitudes, ,

not just one or two.not just one or two. We must constantly examine ourselves if we are really We must constantly examine ourselves if we are really

following Christ, through the following Christ, through the beatitudesbeatitudes.. We know for sure if we are living according to the We know for sure if we are living according to the

beatitudesbeatitudes, if we feel joy in the heart., if we feel joy in the heart. Precisely, to be “Precisely, to be “blessedblessed” is to be happy and fortunate.” is to be happy and fortunate. The opposite of The opposite of blessedblessed is cursed, malas, unfortunate, is cursed, malas, unfortunate,

pitiful, and miserable. (No joy)pitiful, and miserable. (No joy)

Tying the 3 readings and the PsalmTying the 3 readings and the Psalm

The first reading describes how people become saints. The first reading describes how people become saints. Their robes are washed white by the blood of the Lamb.Their robes are washed white by the blood of the Lamb.

The psalm describes what saints are: they are sinless. The psalm describes what saints are: they are sinless. Their attention is on spiritual things, not on material Their attention is on spiritual things, not on material things.things.

The second reading tells us the destiny of being children The second reading tells us the destiny of being children of God, to be considered saints.of God, to be considered saints.

The gospel tells us who are blessed (saints).The gospel tells us who are blessed (saints).

How to develop your homily / sharingHow to develop your homily / sharing

You may tell something about your favorite saint. You may tell something about your favorite saint. How did he/she become a saint? What do you How did he/she become a saint? What do you

like about him/her?like about him/her? Today is All Saints’ Day.Today is All Saints’ Day. This is the day of many saints, not just one saint.This is the day of many saints, not just one saint. This feast tells us that it is possible for us to This feast tells us that it is possible for us to

become saints, because many have become become saints, because many have become saints.saints.

It invites us to become saints.It invites us to become saints.

We may be uncomfortable with this kind of talk We may be uncomfortable with this kind of talk (becoming saints, when we see ourselves more (becoming saints, when we see ourselves more as sinners).as sinners).

We may have another expression which may be We may have another expression which may be more acceptable to us but will challenge us just more acceptable to us but will challenge us just the same.the same.

We talk about holiness.We talk about holiness. A Vatican II document (Lumen Gentium) tells us A Vatican II document (Lumen Gentium) tells us

that we are all called to holiness.that we are all called to holiness.

God calls everyone to be holy, not only the God calls everyone to be holy, not only the priests, nuns and religious, but also the laity, in priests, nuns and religious, but also the laity, in all walks of life.all walks of life.

The Vatican Document simply defines holiness The Vatican Document simply defines holiness asas Fullness of Christian life (knowing Christ in the Fullness of Christian life (knowing Christ in the

gospels, and living like Christ)gospels, and living like Christ) Perfection of charity (love is expressed to everyone, Perfection of charity (love is expressed to everyone,

to loved ones and to those who are not so close to to loved ones and to those who are not so close to us)us)

To learn how to be holy, we must make Jesus To learn how to be holy, we must make Jesus Christ our model.Christ our model.

We should not have any “idol” but Jesus Christ.We should not have any “idol” but Jesus Christ. There is no other way to know Jesus than There is no other way to know Jesus than

through the gospels and the liturgy.through the gospels and the liturgy. Personal and communal reflections on the Word Personal and communal reflections on the Word

of God are prerequisites to know Jesus more of God are prerequisites to know Jesus more and to be identified with him.and to be identified with him.

To be holy, we get our guidance from our To be holy, we get our guidance from our shepherds in the Church.shepherds in the Church.

They are supposed to guide us in the practice of They are supposed to guide us in the practice of our faith in our socio-economic and political our faith in our socio-economic and political contexts.contexts.

Saints are not made in a vacuum.Saints are not made in a vacuum. Holiness is tested in our concrete situations Holiness is tested in our concrete situations

which demand heroic acts, like total self-giving which demand heroic acts, like total self-giving or self-sacrifice for the sake of Christ.or self-sacrifice for the sake of Christ.

Today, we need modern saints.Today, we need modern saints. Those who resist graft and corruption in the name of Those who resist graft and corruption in the name of

Christ.Christ. Those who shed their blood defending the Those who shed their blood defending the

environment from wanton destruction.environment from wanton destruction. Those who promote good political and economic Those who promote good political and economic

order.order. Those who protect human rights.Those who protect human rights. Those who risk their lives to save / help others in their Those who risk their lives to save / help others in their

needs.needs. Their love for Christ and their brethren is their Their love for Christ and their brethren is their

sole motive in doing all these.sole motive in doing all these.

The The eucharisteucharist is the food of the saints. is the food of the saints. There is no canonized saint that has refused to There is no canonized saint that has refused to

receive the receive the sacramentsacrament.. The The eucharisteucharist helps us become holy and saints. helps us become holy and saints.

Our ContextOur Context

EvildoersEvildoers PlottersPlotters Persecutors Persecutors Rash judgmentsRash judgments Criminal activitiesCriminal activities Evil structuresEvil structures Evil motivesEvil motives GreedGreed False valuesFalse values

The saints in the The saints in the hagiographyhagiography

The living saintsThe living saints The living Mother The living Mother

TeresasTeresas Prayerful priests, Prayerful priests,

nuns and laynuns and lay Selfless LoveSelfless Love

Suggested SongsSuggested Songs

Beatitudes, Beatitudes, by the Dameansby the Dameans Mapapalad, Mapapalad, by Ramirez, SJby Ramirez, SJ Mapapalad, Mapapalad, by Fr. Jerry Bitoonby Fr. Jerry Bitoon