God’s Blessed and Beloved Children
November 7, 2021
AS WE GATHER
This Sunday we observe the feast of All Saints’ Day. While many congregations use this service to remember those saints who have departed this life in faith, we do well to remember that “saint” is simply another word for “believer” or “follower of Jesus.” All of those who gather to confess Jesus as Lord are indeed already saints. The Gospel for today is a section of the Sermon on the Mount known as the Beatitudes. Jesus begins this sermon by recounting the present reality of those who have faith: they are blessed. Even when it looks as though the faithful are the opposite of blessed, they are indeed blessed because theirs is the kingdom of heaven. They are a part of the reign and rule of God. All saints, including you, are a part of the reign and rule of God; therefore, you are blessed.
Bible Readings
FIRST READING: Revelation 7: 9–17
EPISTLE READING: 1 John 3:1–3
HOLY GOSPEL: Matthew 5:1–12