November 1, 2021 ALL SAINTS-B

Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14

Psalm 24

1 John 3:1-3

Matthew 5:1-12

“Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.”  Mt. 5:12

Lord, today we meditate on the goal of life: eternal happiness with you in your heavenly kingdom. It’s why we were made.  It’s why we were chosen to be baptized into new life. It’s why we walk with you as your disciples. And it’s why we choose good over evil. While we await the time for us to enter that kingdom help us to live as if we have been saved. Lord, I know I am far from perfect. I don’t think any of your saints were perfect either. But they have been washed clean by the blood you shed on the cross. Keep me detached from what pulls me away from you. Make my heart pure and undivided in its desire for you.  Put a spirit of humility and a thirst for justice within me. Show me how to mourn for my sins and the cruelty of this world. When I am insulted or persecuted, give me a joy that I have been chosen to serve you.  Lord, if I can keep my focus on you and endure to the end my reward will be great in heaven with all your saints.  Amen