Gospel for November 1 2020 – Matthew 5:1-12
Gospel Reflections for November 1 2020
The light shines through
Years ago at a school mass I asked the students who the saints were. One student looked up at a stained glass window and the colorful sunlit image of a saint that was pictured there, and said, “Those are the people the light shines through!
That answer is both literally and meaningfully correct. The sun of course shines through stained glass windows highlighting the images there. More important, in real life the saints are people from whom we can see an inner light shine through to us that reveals the character of their heart and soul.
The saints seem to be at peace no matter what their circumstances are. They seem to have an inner strength that you also might be longing for at this tumultuous political season. They had an inner strength that kept them true no matter what was going on in their life.
That peaceful strength is echoed in today’s Gospel listing of the Beatitudes, each of which begin with the phrase “Blessed are those who…” The Hebrew word for “Blessed” is the same word for “happiness” and is given to those who experience both good times and bad in their life. Their sense of happiness does not come from external circumstances but only the inner light that comes from their personal relationship with Our Lord.
The lives of the saints are filled with both wonderful moments of happiness and sometimes great persecution. Yet they always seem to be at peace. That inner source of peace and happiness is our goal!
There is a lot going on in the world and especially in our country now with the election this coming week. Never let it extinguish the light of grace that Our Lord would like to place within you. Always remain a person of faith, hope, and love …no matter what.
Our lord does not call just special people to be saints. He calls EVERYONE to be one. Everyone can begin the path to sainthood no matter what has gone on before as well.
Your past is not a burden at all since Our Lord will always provide the forgiveness, grace, and strength you need to start anew. All you have to do is ask for it. Then you will live in a way that His light will shine through you to others.
One day, you may even have your own stained glass window!
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Very relevant today, Father. Thank you. A perfect message of hope.
You are welcome!
Dear Father Dave,
Yes … faith, hope, and love are our most sought after wishes packaged in prayers and daily living.
🙏
As a child, I also remember the beauty of our church’s stained-glass windows,
especially when the sun shone through them. I was completely captivated. I’d look at them, day dream, and see stories.
God bless.
Kathleen A.
Yes, it is amazing that the very ancient art form of stained glass windows still captivate our imagination today!
The light shining through the stained glass: what a great metaphor:
I pray that Jesus will shine through all I do!
I have already seen that light in you!
Great reflection, Father Dave! Such a good reminder that if we remain open to the light of Christ he can’t help it shine through us! My brother Bob forwarded this to me and I’m so glad he did… Miss you, friend!
You are certainly two people that I have seen the light shine through! I am glad you liked the article.
Beautifully said Father Dave!!!We have to be precious Glass Stained Windows and let Jesus’ light shine through lovingly and capture hearts for our Lord!!! Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee it and lovee you!!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Franca and Dick
Yes, be a window through which Jesus shines through!
Fr Dave,
Thank you for such a beautiful message!! I can’t wait to share it.
Blessings,
Sherrie
You are very welcome!
Thank you, Father Dave, for your wisdom and support which enables us to survive
these trying times throughout the world.
Sincerely, Helen Taft
I am very glad that you liked the article! Thanks for your message.
I love the simplicity and other worldliness of the Beatitudes.
They speak to the inner self where Jesus is found, offering a
different recipe where true happiness can be found.
I think your comment reveals why the Beatitudes remain one of the most favorite Gospels.