Deacon Randy Kiel previews the Sunday readings for the Solemnity of All Saints, from Revelation 7 to 1 John 3 and the Beatitudes. He explains the biblical numerology behind the 144,000, the meaning of the white robes washed in the Blood of the Lamb, and the communion of saints. This Catholic Bible reflection shows how St. John called a divided early Church back to sacrificial love and faith in Jesus as Savior.
This Sunday's Readings Deacon Randy Kiel of Christ the King Parish in Des Moines joins Deacon Mark Campbell to preview the readings for the Solemnity of All Saints — Sunday, November 1, 2026: First Reading, Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14; Second Reading, 1 John 3:1-3; Gospel, Matthew 5:1-12a. Read along at USCCB.org.
One Revelation, Not Many Deacon Randy notes that the Book of Revelation is a single revelation of God given to John — not a vision or prophecy of John's own making — unveiling what is yet to come on earth and what is already happening in heaven.
Who Are the 144,000? Twelve tribes times twelve thousand: Deacon Randy walks through the biblical numerology that points to the entirety of God's people and the universal reach of the Gospel for the sake of salvation, rather than a literal head count.
Washed in the Blood of the Lamb The white robes of the saints — echoed in the albs deacons wear — show that the stain of our sin, washed in the Blood of the Lamb, becomes purity for eternal life with Jesus Christ.
Revelation, Not Opinion In 1 John, St. John writes to small house churches facing schism and a slide back into Gnosticism. Deacon Randy contrasts "opinionation" with revelation, and reminds listeners that Jesus is worshipped as Savior, not merely as a philosopher or prophet — and that we will be like Him when we see Him as He is.
The segment closes with a prayer for the Solemnity of All Saints and the communion of saints.
Catch the Sunday readings preview with Deacon Randy Kiel every Thursday on The Catholic Morning Show, weekdays at 7:00 AM Central. Stream at IowaCatholicRadio.com or on the Iowa Catholic Radio app.
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