Ordinary Time · All Souls: Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed · Year A
Matthew 5:1-12a
The Beatitudes
November 2, 2026
Overview & Insights
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3)
The narrative introduction to Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (5:1–2) indicates that Jesus’ disciples are the more focused audience of the sermon, with the crowds as recipients who, in a sense, listen in (7:28–29). The first segment of the sermon (5:3–16) focuses on a description of Jesus’ followers as they begin experiencing the arrival of God’s kingdom; Jesus’ commands to his followers do not begin until 5:17 (see the sidebar “Outline for the Sermon on the Mount”). The beatitudes (5:3–12) indicate the great reversals that God’s kingdom is bringing about and will usher in. These blessings will be enacted in Jesus’ healing ministry (chaps. 8–9). A contrasting set of woes will be spoken in chapter 23. The beatitudes along with the description of Jesus’ followers as salt and light, emphasizing their missional purpose, set the tone for the rest of the Sermon on the Mount by introducing themes of covenant faithfulness and the inauguration of God’s kingdom.
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Take it further: Matthew 5:1-12a
Commentary
Matthew 5: The Sermon on the Mount BeginsMt 5: The Sermon on the Mount Begins Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's verse by verse evangelical commentary on the Beatitudes and the whole chapter.
Matthew 5:1 CommentariesMt 5:1 Commentaries BibleHub
Aggregates classic commentaries on the opening of the Sermon on the Mount in one place.
Barnes' Notes on Matthew 5Barnes' Notes on Mt 5 StudyLight
Albert Barnes' notes on the whole of Matthew 5 and the Beatitudes.
Commentary on Matthew 5:1-12Commentary on Mt 5:1-12 Working Preacher
A named seminary scholar works through the Beatitudes verse by verse.
Matthew 5 Scripture ReflectionsMt 5 Scripture Reflections Word on Fire · Bishop Barron
Catholic homiletic reflections gathered on the Sermon on the Mount.
The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed Catholic Productions · Brant Pitre
Dr. Brant Pitre walks through the All Souls readings, including the Beatitudes.
Background & Word Study
Gospel of Matthew Overview (Matthew 1-13)Gospel of Mt Overview (Mt 1-13) BibleProject
An animated overview of the first half of Matthew's Gospel, where the Sermon on the Mount sits.
Matthew 5:1 Greek InterlinearMt 5:1 Greek Interlinear BibleHub
Greek word by word with parsing and Strong's numbers for the Beatitudes, including makarios.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
Why are the Beatitudes read on All Saints?
The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1–12) describe the character of the people of God, the poor in spirit, the mourners, the meek, the merciful, the pure in heart, and pronounce them blessed. On All Saints they name the communion of the faithful of every age, joined to the great multitude of Revelation 7.
When is All Saints observed?
All Saints’ Day is November 1 (often transferred to the following Sunday). In Year A the Revised Common Lectionary appoints Matthew 5:1–12 with Revelation 7:9–17 and 1 John 3:1–3.
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