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Thursday, November 1, 2007

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All Saints


Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14
1 John 3:1-3
Psalm 24
Matthew 5:1-12

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"getting to look a lot like" jesus

"Then one of the elders asked me, 'Who are these people all dressed in white?' " —Revelation 7:13

On this holy day set apart for the Lord, Jesus invites us to go up the mountain with Him (Mt 5:1). There we can see for miles beyond planet earth even into eternity. We can see the heavenly hosts "from every nation and race, people and tongue" (Rv 7:9). We want to be in that number, go to heaven, and see Jesus face to face (1 Jn 3:2).

We ask Jesus how we can become a saint in heaven. He answers: "These are the ones who have survived the great period of trial; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb" (Rv 7:14). Saints are survivors who have received forgiveness for their sins. They are God's look-alikes. They are as they were created to be, in the image and likeness of God (Gn 1:27). Saints think like God, feel like God, talk like God. They are "like Him" (1 Jn 3:2). The Beatitudes tell us what God is like (Mt 5:3-12). They reveal the characteristics of a person "getting to look a lot like" Jesus.

Are you choosing poverty and a simple life? Are you repenting of sins? Are you trying to be lowly? Are rivers of mercy and peace flowing from you? Are you so single-heartedly committed to the Lord that you are a threat to the devil and a target of persecution? Are you "getting to look a lot like" Jesus?

Prayer:  Father, may I want to be a saint on earth and in heaven. May I have a family reunion in heaven without anyone missing.

Promise:  "Salvation is from our God, Who is seated on the throne, and from the Lamb!" —Rv 7:10

Praise:  Alleluia! All you saints, praise the all-holy Lord! Alleluia!

Reference:  (For related teaching, order our leaflet, The Beatitudes, or our tapes on audio AV 44-3 or video V-44.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Daniel E. Pilarczyk, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 3, 2007

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