Pentecost Season · Year C
All Souls: Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed
11/3 if 11/2 falls on Sunday. Readings from Masses for the Dead. · November 2, 2028
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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Commentary
Matthew 5 Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik
A full verse-by-verse walk through each Beatitude.
Matthew 5 Resources Precept Austin
An index of verse notes and sermons on the Sermon on the Mount's opening.
Matthew 5:3 Commentaries BibleHub
Older commentaries collected on the first Beatitude.
Matthew 5, Barnes' Notes StudyLight
Barnes' close notes on the Beatitudes and their setting.
Matthew 5, Haydock Commentary Haydock Commentary
A classic Catholic reading of the Beatitudes verse by verse.
Matthew 5:3 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek interlinear for the opening Beatitude.
Background & Word Study
The Church Fathers
Sermons & Reflections
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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