The hymn writer William W. How wrote these eloquent words in the first verse of his hymn “For All the Saints”: “For all the saints who from their labors rest, All who by faith before the world confessed, Your name O Jesus, before ever blest. Alleluia! Alleluia!”
Nov. 1 was All Saints’ Day, a day in the Church year when we remember and commemorate those who have gone before us into the Kingdom of God. It is a day to remember the greats such as Peter, Paul, John, Mary, Augustine and so many others. But also as many congregations do, it is a day to remember those from within their own gathering who have moved from the Church Militant here on earth to the Church Triumphant in the Kingdom of God.
For me that means remembering and thanking God for those people of faith who have been a witness to me throughout life. I think of my parents and grandparents to be sure, but also of pastors such as Pastor Long and Pastor Roepcke. I think of so many wonderful Sunday School teachers just as Mary Meyes who faithfully gathered us together Sunday after Sunday to teach us squirrely kids the Good News of Jesus Christ.
I think of the countless people I have been privileged to minister to over the years, people who in life and in their death witnessed to me the peace of Jesus Christ and the joy of the resurrection they were about to experience. To witness the life and at times the death of a person who has faced great challenges in life and health, not to lose faith, is humbling and inspiring. It is an amazing blessing to see the joy and love of our Lord Jesus Christ manifested within their lives.
For us who continue our journey of faith in this world, what kind of witness are we? That is our challenge. In a time when there is so much division within our society – politically, economically, socially, racially, and religiously, our world, our community needs strong, compassionate Christian witnesses within our homes, neighborhoods, work places and schools. Can we be such a witness? Can we love and care regardless of whom the person is or the situation they find themselves in? Can we carry the light and hope of Jesus Christ to those who are in places and moments of darkness? I would pray we can, and do!
“You (that is Jesus) were their rock, their fortress, and their might; You, Lord, their captain in the well-fought fight; You, in the darkness drear, their one true light. Alleluia! Alleluia!” William How.
