Saints before and behind - November 1, 2024

Today’s Readings: All Saints':
AM: Psalm 111, 112; 2 Esdras 2:42-47; Hebrews 11:32-12:2
PM: Psalm 148, 150; Wisdom 5:1-5,14-16; Revelation 21:1-4,22-22:5

Today is All Saints’ Day, when we praise God for those who have helped hone, shape, and defend the ways we gather as Church to honor the resurrected Jesus. Those numbered in the saints include those “whose righteous deeds have not been forgotten. Their posterity will continue forever, and their glory will not be blotted out. Their bodies were buried in peace, and their name lives to all generations.” Ecclesiasticus 44:13-14

In the Letter to the Hebrews appointed every year for All Saints’ Day, we read rousing words of encouragement and hope as the story builds to its crescendo. It is so lovely and long, therefore I want to slow down the run-on sentence and sit with it on this holy day. The opening of Hebrews 12 reads, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely…” I love imagery that we are covered in a fog of saints who are rooting for us to share the Gospel far and wide. And, I can even feel the misty presence of the saints, leaving a touch of water upon me. Water that is a reminder of life and baptism and renewal. Resurrection hope that calls me to put down the sins and hurts that weigh me down, so that the redemption and forgiveness extended in baptism meets me afresh.

The preacher continues, “…and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith…” The writer of this letter knows that those in ministry must have endurance to keep up their efforts of teaching and preaching and caring for those in need. If pastors fix their eyes upon their own to do lists, they will grow weary and crumble. They will be overwhelmed and throw up their hands. However, remembering to set one’s eyes upon Jesus, all in ministry can rise up out of their own selves and reaffix their gaze upon Christ the King, who has already blazed the trail and set the path. Some days, that is the reframing I need.

This piece of scripture ends for today with a reminder of Jesus’ work, and where he resides now, “…who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.” The ministry Jesus completed in his earthly life was joy. He met that work joyfully and willingly, though it came at a high cost. He suffered death on a cross, yet the shame of that experience did not sully God’s resurrection love and light within him. Jesus landed not in the dust, but seated at the place of honor, at the right hand of God’s throne.

On this All Saints’ Day, may you be inspired by the words of the letter to the Hebrews. And, may you fix your eyes upon Jesus as you contemplate the saints who have come before us and those who will follow us.

In God’s love,

Katherine+

Questions for Self-Reflection and Daily Challenge:

Wondering about All Saints' Day? Here's where you can read more (in brief) about what this day means and where it came from.

What does All Saints' Day mean to you? Take a few minutes to sit and ponder. If you feel moved to do so, write about who and what comes to mind.