2026 Pentecost Devotions III
Monday, November 2
Festival of All Saints’ (Nov. 1)
Matthew 5:1-12
1 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 And he began to speak and taught them, saying:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
“… 9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. …”
Tomorrow is election day. After a lengthy, overly expensive campaign season filled with animosity and vitriol on both sides, the polls will open to millions of voters throughout the nation. The rancor, mudslinging, and hostility will end as polls close Tuesday night. Hopefully, despite a few glitches and challenges of close voter totals, the election will be over.
That’s when peacemaking will begin. After all, despite all the divisions the campaigns highlighted, we remain one people, one nation. As such, in spite of our differences, we need to heed Jesus’ call to blessedness. Restoration, reconciliation, and renewal must replace the rancor, animosity, and hostility the campaigns emphasized. We must find ways of healing and hopefulness moving forward.
Jesus’ call to be peacemakers extends beyond family and neighborhood into our roles as citizens of this nation. Building bridges rather than walls is necessary if we are not only to grow as a nation but also heed the Lord’s command. Blessedness comes when we find common ground, practice patience, and promote peace amidst our differences and disagreements.
If you have not yet voted, we encourage you to do so today. When your ballot has been cast and you received your “I Voted” sticker, go forth into the world and make peace, showing yourself to be a child of God.
Prayer: Prince of Peace, you call and empower us to be peacemakers in our families, neighborhood, and world. Bless me with Your Spirit and send me forth to share with others Your gift of peace. Amen.