Scripture
Matthew 5: 1-12
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Ignatian Reflection
No Holiness but Social Holiness
The Catholic Church’s vision for the “universal call to holiness” (see chapter 5 of Lumen Gentium) is rooted in Jesus’ claim, “be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt 5:48). This is a call to be like God, whose identity card is mercy (Ex 34:6). Jesus teaches us that “Blessed are …” (or “Happy are …”) those who are humble and aware of our dependence on God, mourn the dead and grieve the sins of this world, hunger and thirst for justice, show others mercy, build peace, and ready to pay a price to build up the reign of God. The Beatitudes remind us that discipleship is oriented toward holiness where right-relationship with God is measured by right-relationship with others.
Fr. Greg Boyle, SJ, suggests that even better than describing the actions that ought to characterize a Christian community, the Beatitudes are a “geography” telling us where to stand—and with whom. He explains, “compassion isn’t just about feeling the pain of others; it’s about bringing them in toward yourself. If we love what God loves, then, in compassion, margins get erased. ‘Be compassionate as God is compassionate’ means the dismantling of barriers that exclude.”
On the Feast of All Saints, we are reminded that we are all called to be saints. We give thanks for the saints in our lives and those who inspire us to deepen our faith. We pray for their intercession to help us be more loving, merciful, generous, and courageous. If the only holiness God wants is social holiness, then how can I change my geography so I can draw near those who suffer and those who question if they matter or belong?
—Marcus Mescher is associate professor of Christian ethics at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, and the author of The Ethics of Encounter: Christian Neighbor Love as a Practice of Solidarity (Orbis 2020).
Ignatian Prayer
Nov 1, 2025
Prayer
Thomas Merton wrote, "For me to be a saint means to be myself."
Today, in your prayer, call to mind someone who has helped you be yourself, or encouraged you to be more feely and fully yourself.
Give thanks to God for having this person in your life. As an expression of your prayer, take a moment to write them, call them, or tell them face to face how they are a saint to you and how they have helped you become more of a saint.
Then, returning to prayer, consider the people in your life who find it hard to be authentic, honest, or free. How can you love them into a fuller, freer version of themselves?
—Marcus Mescher
The Daily Examen is a prayer technique developed by St. Ignatius to help us reflect on the events of the day to discern God's presence and direction. When Ignatius founded the Society of Jesus, he required the Jesuits to practice the Examen twice daily—at noon and at the end of the day. It's a habit that Jesuits, and many other Christians, practice to this day.
The Examen structure presented below is adapted from a technique described by Ignatius Loyola in his Spiritual Exercises. Click here for more information from our partners in ministry at Loyola Press.
Daily Examen
1. Become aware of God's presence
God, I believe that at this moment I am in your presence and you are loving me.
2. Review the day with gratitude
God, you know my needs better than I know them. Give me your light and your help to see how you have been with me, both yesterday and today.
3. Pay attention to your emotions
God, help me to be grateful for the moments when people have affirmed me and challenged me. Help me to see how I have responded, and whether I have been kind to others and open to growth.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it
God, forgive me for when I have not done my best or have failed to treat others well. Encourage me, guide me, and continue to bless me.
5. Look toward tomorrow
As I look to the remainder of this day, make me aware that you are with me. Show me how to be the person you want me to be.
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