At the beginning of this month, we remember the long-standing church tradition of All Saints Day — a time to give thanks for the saints who have walked the way of faith before us. Every time we gather for worship, we are doing so with the saints. We are always dependent on those who have gone before us and give us the words, tell us the stories, and teach us the tunes by which we praise God, grow in faith and commitment, and stay on the way that leads to life.
In the last book of the Bible, the Revelation, we find a glimpse of the church as God sees it: a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. It’s a beautiful scene — a vast, diverse crowd.
We often resist calling ourselves “saints.” You might think of saints as highly exalted figures with halos, shining like stained glass or marble statues. But perhaps it’s not quite the faithful way to think. We are both righteous and sinners at the same time. Paul often addresses the “saints” — not just in churches doing well, but also in challenging ones.
If you really think about being part of that grand procession of saints, it will make you take your life choices and their consequences more seriously. Following Christ demands real sacrifice. You might not always be sure what it will cost, or whether you want to pay that cost.
This is a season to remember the testimonies of all the saints who have shown us that costly way. These saints include not only the well-known ones, but also the ordinary ones that nobody remembers except you and God. We remember those who believed we were worth the effort, those who spent their lives on us while following the One who considered nothing — not even death — too high a price for love.
When asked to define a saint, Tom Long describes one as someone whose life is “like a window through which we catch a glimpse of the infinite.” Saints manage to live both in this world and beyond it. Their faith enables them to let go of the things that tie most people to this world and to see life as a gift.
We usually know saints by the small, everyday acts of love and kindness they do. You’ve known them, too — because they taught you, comforted you, or gave you a helping hand. Because they had encouraging words, offered healing touches, and brought people back together. Because they surprised you with forgiveness or a second chance, stood up for you, and patiently waited for you.
Go and do likewise!
Grace & Peace,