Our calling is to be like Jesus as much as we can each day
ALL SAINTS : Friday 1st November 2019
Rev. 7:2-4, 9-14; Ps.24(23): 1-2, 3-4ab,5-6;
1 Jn.3:1-3; Mt.5:1-12a (Psalter proper)
How many are going to heaven? Revelation hints not many – 144,000 – but this should not be taken literally. It is a symbolic number meaning wholeness and completeness. The vision describes people from every nation, tribe, and tongue praising God, who offers salvation to all. No soul that yearns for God and tries to walk in God’s ways will be denied.
John promises us that one day we will be like Jesus. But what will that look like? The Beatitudes give us a clear picture. One who is an image of Jesus lives and walks in humility, compassion, non-violence, gentleness. He or she hungers and thirsts for justice and righteousness. Their hearts are pure in that they are not self-seeking but concerned for the well-being of others and our world. They work for peace; they yearn for peace. These are powerful spiritual tools.
When we live by them, even imperfectly, we change the world around us. Our calling is to be like Jesus as much as we can each day. The Lord will make up for what we lack. Our goal is not only to go to heaven ourselves, but to bring all peoples with us. The world depends on how seriously we take our calling.
Lord, may I be a mirror of Your holiness.
