For many centuries, the Beatitudes spoken by Jesus in Matthew 5:112 have been the Gospel reading appointed for All Saints’ Day. The word “beatitude” comes from the Latin beatus, which simply means “blessed.” Frequently the Beatitudes are described as “the definition of a saint.” If we follow that definition, then a true saint is one who is fully conformed to the way of life portrayed in the Beatitudes. But when you read the Beatitudes, it is impossible to see how any of us could be a saint based on the standards they set forth. They pronounce blessings upon only the ...