Sunday 1 November 2026 - Blessed are the peacemakers

Sunday 1 November 2026
Today is Sunday the 1st of November, the feast of All Saints, beginning the 31st week of Ordinary Time.

The choir of Westminster Cathedral, directed by James O’Donnell, sing O quam gloriosum by Victoria: ‘How glorious is the kingdom, where all the saints rejoice with Christ.’

O quam gloriosum est regnum,
in quo cum Christo gaudent omnes Sancti!
Amicti stolis albis,
sequuntur Agnum, quocumque ierit.

O how glorious is the kingdom
in which all the saints rejoice with Christ,
clad in robes of white
they follow the Lamb wherever he goes.
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew.

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.
On All Saint’s Day, we remember and honour the Saints of old, the Saints we’ve known in our lifetime and living Saints, all those who dwell in the Kingdom of God.

In today’s reading, known as ‘the beatitudes’, Jesus speaks of saintly attributes. As you listen again to these attributes, see who comes to mind and offer a prayer for that person:

Someone who is poor in Spirit

Someone who is mourning

Someone who is meek

Someone who is merciful

Someone who is pure in heart

Someone who is a peace maker

Someone who is being persecuted for their faith.

As you listen to the reading again, imagine that you are sitting on the Mount close to Jesus as he is speaking. Notice which of his words most speak to you of your own situation.
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.
Jesus says, “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for yours is the Kingdom of Heaven.”
Imagine that you are rejoicing with all the Saints in the Kingdom on earth and with those who in Heaven. What is it like to be part of the worship with this host of believers?
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be
World without end
Amen