Brian R Corbin

Through work, one develops as a person, provides for family needs, expresses one’s own talent, participates in social life, and builds a better world by collaborating in God’s creative work. The real challenge is to offer everyone opportunities to make the most of their abilities. Unemployment, exploitation, and working conditions that endanger health and life itself are unacceptable (Gaudium et Spes, 67). #GeneralAudience

Let us #PrayTogether for the proper use of wealth, that not succumbing to the temptation of selfishness, it may always be put at the service the common good and solidarity of those who have less. Be a part of this prayer: popesprayer.va/praywiththepo… #PrayerIntention @clicktopray_en

We wish to pray now for those who have recently lost a loved one, especially those whose loved ones have been torn from them by the senseless violence of war. May the tears of so many mothers, so many children, and so many elderly people touch the consciences of those who have the power to silence weapons!

Faith in Christ tells us that our bond with the faithful departed is not broken, but transformed. Through our prayers for the repose of their souls, we accompany our loved ones toward full communion with the Lord, of which we already have a true foretaste here, in the Sacrament of the Eucharist. Inspired by this faith filled with hope, let us continue our earthly journey, awaiting the day when the Lord will wipe away every tear.

As the #GospelOfTheDay reminds us (Mt 5:1-12), they are poor in spirit, yet rich in God’s love. Their faces are streaked with tears, yet they find consolation in prayer. They are meek in the face of violence and rewarded by the Father. They hunger for justice, yet are filled in the depths of their consciences. They are ready to forgive and embraced by mercy. They are disarmed in heart, yet protected by God. They are peacemakers, called by name by God. They are persecuted and insulted, yet strong in faith and charity.

Holiness is not a privilege reserved for a few, but a universal vocation that speaks to each of us where we live. This is the hope-filled message of today’s feast: God sees the good that we do not see, knows stories that we do not know, and reaches hearts to which we have no access.

In recent days, a humanitarian operation has been carried out to assist the civilian population in the city of Oleshky. I hope that the cooperation between the parties, which made this necessary humanitarian act possible, will strengthen the desire for dialogue and lead to new concrete peace initiatives. Let us entrust to Mary, Queen of Peace and of All Saints, all those throughout the world who are suffering because of war.

The Solemnity of All Saints, which we celebrate today, invites us to share in the joy of that countless family of men and women who, following the Lord Jesus, have made their lives a gift to God and to their neighbors.