In this reflection on the Beatitudes I am using these creations by artist Petr Vaclavek from his series Dubanci (Acorn Elves).

Preparation   Find a time and place for prayer: a candle, the Bible, picture of your favourite saint/s   In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit  Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.   The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it,     the world, and those who live in it; for he has founded it on the seas,     and established it on the rivers.   Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?     And who shall stand in his holy place? Those who have clean hands and pure hearts,     who do not lift up their souls to what is false.(Psalm 24)

1. Let us open our hearts to receive God’s Word   When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. …” (Mt 5, 1-12a)   2. Reflective prayer   Today we celebrate the feast of All Saints. In these challenging times, let us rediscover that we are made for something beautiful! It’s real! And it’s possible! In today’s Gospel Jesus opens up for us eight windows on eternity. In prayer let us bring to mind someone who lives his/her life beautifully and be inspired! i. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.” This is the window of those who live life with a deep sense of appreciation, who sow the good seeds quietly not to draw attention on themselves; trusting they are deeply loved by God, they cultivate a healthy sense of humour:  they can laugh at themselves while caring for others. Can you think of someone who is good at this?   ii. “Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.” This is the window of those who are touched by the pain of others, whose heart bleeds when they encounter students suffering the consequences of others’ mistakes, those who can’t stand an “anything goes” mentality; those whose heart rejoices as they celebrate every small step in the right direction. Can you think of someone who is good at this?  iii.  “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.” The window of those who process anger, avoid a heart of stone and choose to build bridges rather than walls. Where others usually get stuck, retreat or attack, they achieve important breakthroughs through mercy, meekness, and a gentle spirit. Can you think of someone who is good at this?   iv. “Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.”   The window of those who overturn the greed that robs others of their goods and good name and seek to honour, respect, encourage and sustain others: their heart is satisfied and each word of theirs feeds the soul. Can you think of someone who is good at this?   v. “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”   The window of those who avoid taking a rigid approach and a closed heart; those who face the complexity of everyday life and human fragility through gentleness, compassion and a constructive approach. Can you think of someone who is good at this?   vi.  “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”   The window of people who live a simple lifestyle, with honesty and a genuine interest in the good of others; never taking advantage of anyone and free from falsity they seek what is true, good and beautiful. Freed from falsehood and deceit they can discover God’s presence anywhere. Can you think of someone who is good at this?   vii. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”   The window of those who do not get carried away by words that sow division and gossip; those who seek understanding and empathy avoiding prejudice; those who address injustice and poverty with a generous spirit. Such people restore hope in humanity! Can you think of someone who is good at this?   viii. “Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.”   The window of those who dedicate their lives for a good cause simply because it’s good (not for personal gain); those who work for justice and promotion of the dignity of every person (not merely for those belonging to their tribe); those who keep going even when their good deeds are met with ridicule from those who do not want the truth to come out, from those who want to keep benefiting from injustice. Blessed are those who look through this window: they will soon realize they’re sharing in God’s vision. Can you think of someone who is good at this?  3. Our Father