All Saints Day

Stop.

Take a deep breath. As you breathe in, say: “With all the saints”. As you breathe out, say: “In all the world”. Repeat as many times as you need.

Listen.

As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us – John 17:21b

Reflect.

Tomorrow, the church celebrates All Saints Day. On this day, we remember all the beloved saints who have lived before us. We treasure their witness of faithfulness and hope. We entrust them to God, even as we continue to grieve their death. Their lives inspire us to acts of joy and love.

We also remember that we have each been redeemed by God and are all saints. The saints who have been gone before us join us in praise of God in this life. In this way, the church unites on earth and in heaven to worship the God we love. It is a beautiful image of the true union of all God’s people throughout history. 

We are never alone. We are never forgotten. We are all beloved saints of God, together with all believers throughout time. We share in worship and praise, comfort and love, hope and joy. God promises us a great cloud of witnesses in this life and the next to sustain and cheer us at all times.

Pray.

I thank you, God, that you claim me as one of your saints. Inspire me with the love and faithfulness of your servants throughout history. Grant me courage to serve you and your people as they have done. In you, with you, through you, I am never alone. Amen.

Carry On.

Whose faith has most inspired you? How does their witness give you courage and hope today? How can you tell that person’s story?