The Catholic Morning Show

All Saints Day Gospel: The Beatitudes & Your Call to Be a Saint – Fr. Max Carson – 10/30/2026

Episode Summary

Fr. Max Carson of the Diocese of Des Moines reflects on the Gospel for the Solemnity of All Saints, the Beatitudes from Matthew 5. He explains that "blessed" means a deep, God-given happiness, and that every baptized Catholic is already a citizen of heaven called to grow in holiness. Learn how to examine your life through the Beatitudes and find joy and peace with God even in suffering.

Episode Notes

This Sunday, November 1, the Solemnity of All Saints falls on a Sunday, what Fr. Max Carson calls a "Super Sunday." Fr. Max serves in Council Bluffs at St. Albert Catholic Schools and St. Peter's Parish, and previously served five years at St. Patrick's.

Highlights:

• The point of Christianity: All Saints reminds us that the whole goal of the Christian life is to become a saint.
• What "blessed" really means: The Greek word behind "blessed" means happy, but not a happiness that depends on getting what we like. It's the happiness of God: real spiritual joy.
• You are already a saint in the making: If you're baptized, you're a citizen of heaven, and we work out that holiness over a lifetime.
• Examine your life with the Beatitudes: The Beatitudes name a lot of suffering. If you've found peace with God and joy in those moments, you're already living heaven now.
• Hope, not condemnation: Deacon Mark Campbell reflects on giving thanks in all things, and how suffering magnifies our total dependence on God.
• A blessing for listeners: Fr. Max closes by praying that we accept the call to sainthood and live out the Beatitudes with God's grace.

Sunday readings – Solemnity of All Saints (Rev 7:2–4, 9–14; Ps 24; 1 Jn 3:1–3; Mt 5:1–12a): Read the readings at USCCB

Reminder: Daylight Saving Time ends at 2:00 a.m. Sunday, November 1. Fall back an hour before heading to Mass.

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