Solemnity of All Saints
Today the Church celebrates and honors all those members of the Church who have gone before us into Heaven, who stand as known and unknown witnesses to the glory of God and the truth of our Catholic Faith.
We receive in our Gospel the Beatitudes, the promises Jesus makes for those who struggle and suffer for His sake: they will be blessed.
They will be happy.
This is more than just the logic, for example, that those who mourn will eventually not mourn any more, or those who are merciful will be treated well in turn. But those persecuted for righteousness, who suffer for Jesus? They will experience happiness, even if they experience little of it in this life.
The beatitudes are also a way to encourage us to strive for holiness, to love and serve the Lord, that when we are afraid, intimidated, or simply having a difficult time. No matter what happens, if we are with Jesus, if we have our hearts and our sights set on Heaven, God promises that, ultimately, all will not merely be well, but blessed.