Today’s Gospel takes us back to the basic charter of the kingdom of God. The beatitudes emphasize that the kingdom is not something achieved by human effort or even according to the best of human designs or expectations, but is solely the work of God in those who are open to him. The kingdom belongs to the poor, the weak, the compassionate, and the non-violent because they are the ones who can let God rule in their world. But it would be a mistake to think that these characteristics imply passivity or timidity. It takes passion and strength to be so devoted to truth, justice, and love as to withstand persecution. It takes courage to face squarely one’s own inner poverty.

As the foundation of the kingdom, these beatitudes take flesh in the lives of the saints. The beauty of this feast is that it enables us to recognize the great diversity in the lives of those who grasped the kingdom through fidelity to the spirit of the beatitudes. The saints are important to us because they show us how real people in real-life situations have put Jesus’ teaching into practice. (See also the commentary on the Gospel of the Fourth Sunday of the Year, Year A.)

One of the themes of the book of Revelation is that the final kingdom would involve the re-establishment of the twelve tribes of Israel as the new Jerusalem. The early Christians, even those of pagan origin, were aware that they were heirs in faith of God’s promise to the Israelites, and so saw themselves as the new People of God. The 144,000 speaks of a symbolic but organized multitude — not merely a limited number, but not a faceless crowd either. The mark on the forehead (the image is from Ez 9:4-6) indicates God’s protection, but also refers to the sacramental seal of baptism and confirmation in the Spirit (see 2 Cor 1:22; Eph 1:13; 4:30). The "trial" of v 14 refers especially to the persecutions of Nero, but more broadly expresses the trials that all Christians must face (see Mt 5:10-12).

This psalm was sung as worshipers entered the temple in procession, and so it speaks of the qualities of heart needed for faithful worship as the Lord’s people. Response: "Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face."

The first letter of John is based on a strong awareness of what communion with God as his children sharing his life means. Being one with God is incompatible with sin and hatred, but this relationship is something that is in a state of growth. Our present reality leads to what we will become. Recognizing who we are as God’s children now is the faith that gives birth to hope in eternal fulfillment. (See also the commentary on the second reading for the Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year B.)

1. Who are your favorite saints? How did they in their lives exemplify the message of these readings?

2. Who are present-day saints who are examples of what it means to be a Christian living for God’s kingdom? What qualities in their lives show it?