A Poem a Sunday

All Saints’ Sunday

November 5, 2015

Matthew 5:1-12 - NRSV

The Beatitudes

5 When Jesus[a] saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely[b] on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Footnotes:

Matthew 5:1 Gk he

Matthew 5:11 Other ancient authorities lack falsely

A Poem a Sunday

All Saints

November 5, 2017

Not to Mention

The organic gardener,

the faithful checker at the store,

the newborn nursing;

the mother at the door

        sending children dear

        who sometimes are saints,

        (God’s little ones);

        and the teacher

        who graciously greets them

        and the janitor who runs

        the floor-waxer at night;

as the siren screeches

and the paramedics

gently lift the injured soul

as their fire-engine reaches

the local hospital where

the nurse touches each wound

and the doctor enters the room

and the daughter comes

(with child at her side)

holding hands with her mother

who just died:

        sainted lady

        now in the bosom of the Father.

Another All Saints’ Day,

unseen,

few ever bother.

Copyright @ A Poem a Sunday

May be used with permission

kennstorck@gmail.com