Contemplation

On this the Solemnity of All Saints let us go up the mountain with Jesus and listen to him telling us how we can be united with God and the saints.

• Who are you in the passage? One of the disciples? One of the crowd perhaps a worker, someone who is sick, an onlooker? Perhaps you are yourself?

• Take some time to take in the surroundings. Visualise the grassy, sloping hill side.

• Look at the people around you. Look at the various expressions on their faces perhaps expressions of exhaustion, hope, fear, intent, curiosity. What do you notice? Do you know anyone? Did you come alone?

• Imagine where you are sitting on the grass. Are you right up at the front near the disciples, or are you standing quietly toward the edge of the crowd?

• Listen to the sounds, the birds, the voices of the crowd, perhaps chatting to each other, the breeze rustling the leaves.

• Feel the warmth of the sun and the air on your face. Feel the texture of the ground where you are standing or sitting.

• What smells, and other details about the location do you notice? Perhaps the smell of the air, the colour of the sky, the presence of clouds etc.

• Look at the expression on the face of Jesus? Do you see the love in his eyes?

• Notice Jesus as he sits down, a traditional pose for a teacher. Does it surprise you seeing Jesus take a position of authority in order to make his address? Notice the crowd as it falls silent when Jesus starts to speak. Notice the clarity in his voice.

• As you listen intently to Jesus, do you:

  • Understand what it’s like to be truly poor in spirit and be completely dependent on God?

  • Feel the sorrow for injustice and sin?

  • Live in gentleness, humility, and respectfulness towards others, understanding you will inherit the earth?

  • Feel a deep, hunger for righteousness and justice in the world?

  • Feel God’s mercy flowing through you to others and then back to you?

  • Experience a pure heart that longs to see God?

  • Feel the call to reconcile and bring people together?

  • Live in solidarity with those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake?

• What resonates with you as Jesus speaks? Which beatitude catches your attention?

• Which beatitude do you find most challenging?

• What does the word “Blessed” mean for you? Is there one particular blessing you would like to have? Is there one you would like to have for your family, friends, community?

• Notice the contradictions in Jesus discourse e.g. he calls the mourning “blessed” and the persecuted “glad”. How does that make you feel?

• What desires and hopes stir in you as you listen to Jesus’ words? Where might Jesus be inviting you to share in and be part of his own values?

Let us now spend 10 minutes in the company of Jesus and talk to him about what is going on in your mind and heart regarding his teaching and what challenges you the most. Ask him to give you his Spirit of poverty, meekness, compassion, justice and peace. Speak to him about the blessings you have today and offer thanks for them.