October 23, 2024
Each year there are more saints.
As we approach All Saints Sunday on October 27, we have been receiving names of people we want to remember that day. Each year, it’s a list that tugs at my heart. Some I only know through the stories their families have told me. These are the people who turned to the Church in the moment of grief’s need, and as I hear about the one they lost, I feel a sadness that I never got to know them.
Others I’ve come to know over the years of my service here at Church of the Holy Cross. Some were leaders, some frequented Bible studies, some appeared regularly at worship, and some worked with me to prepare their services ahead of time. As I gather their names for inclusion in the bulletin, my eyes prickle with tears for sadness that I never had the opportunity to know them better.
Each year there are more saints.
For it is the living, not just the dead, who are saints. Each time someone waves a pedestrian across the street in front of them, each time someone returns the dropped valuable, each time someone shows their love with their presence, they are saints. Each time someone lays aside a temptation, each time someone creates beauty to share, each time someone takes a stand for justice, a saint is active. Each time someone lives out the summons of Jesus to love their neighbor as themselves, a saint is alive.
Each year there are more saints.
I am grateful for the saints we honor this All Saints Sunday, so grateful to have known at least a little of their lives. I am grateful for the saints who will gather to remember them in worship this All Saints Sunday, and I am grateful for all the saints, more each year, who honor Christ with their lives.
In peace,
Pastor Eric
Photo by Eric Anderson
