All Saints Sunday: What Is Holding Us Back?

Today's Scripture Readings

Revelation 7:9-17 (NRSV)

After this I, John, looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice, saying,

"Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!" And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God,singing,

"Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.

"Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, "Who are these, robed in white, and where have they come from? "I said to him, "Sir, you are the one that knows. " Then he said to me, "These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

For this reason they are before the throne of God, and worship him day and night within his temple, and the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them. They will hunger no more, and thirst no more; the sun will not strike them, nor any scorching heat; for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

Psalm 34:1-10, 22 (BCP., p.627)


1 John 3:1-3 (NRSV)

See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.

 Matthew 5:1-12 (NRSV)

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

"Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. 

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 

"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

"Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 

Announcement

 

I have begun a new daily blog entitled Simple Reflections for A Deeper Spiritual Life.  My readers are welcome to click on that title and read the new blog.   I will continue to write this blog for Sundays and Holy Days.   Thank you for reading.   I hope you will continue reading here and at Simple Reflections.

 

 

Blog Reflection 

 

Thomas Keating in his book: The Mystery of Christ: The Liturgy as Spiritual Experience writes the following.

The beginning of the Sermon on the Mount contains a number of affirmations called the beatitudes that summarize Jesus' teaching about the truth nature of happiness. 

Hence, the emphasis in Jesus' ministry on repentance, which means "change the direction in which you are looking for happiness."  The beatitudes came out of the heart of Jesus when he looked at the multitudes  that were following him and realized with infinite compassion that "they were like sheep without a shepherd,"  all going their own way - that is, nowhere at a great rate.  "Jetting to nowhere" summarizes in modern language the projects of the first three energy centers.  The beatitudes give us some insight into how to dismantle them and to move toward true happiness (pages 94-95).

As Anglicans and Episcopalians, we believe in the world wide Communion of Saints.  Our believe is that "all saints" means exactly that.  All are saints with the potential for sainthood in the Reign of God in the here and now.  We are all part of that multitude that is beyond count in the Revelation of John. What makes us saints is the work of the grace of God in our lives.  As God's holy people, we are empowered by God's Holy Spirit live into an authentic expression of our Baptismal Vows to make a difference in the Church and society.

 

The Saints that have made up the Tradition of the Church were imperfect women and men just like we are.  They faced insurmountable challenges to live their faith while making many mistakes due to their own biases because of misinformation.  Yet, Jesus Christ was their Lord and Savior as He is ours.   It was because of the redemption brought by the Paschal Mystery of Christ that they contributed to the evolving truth about Jesus and the Church.  That same mystery of salvation empowers us today, in this moment, in this place, for the purpose in which we are right now; as we are enriched by "the great cloud of witnesses" (Hebrews 12:1) that continue to give us an example of how to live holy lives.    

I believe the readings for All Saints Day point us to what being a Saint is about.  They tell us that the path to true happiness so as to follow Jesus; is about recognizing our need for God if we are to find fulfillment in our lives.   It is about recognizing the presence of Christ in all persons, and surrendering ourselves to God's will by trusting in God even when nothing in life seems to make sense.  It is in those moments that the unconditional and all inclusive love of God is never far away.  God is always reaching out to and for us through others.   How ready are we to respond to God?

Our world is riddled with violence, depression, darkness, prejudice and injustice.  None of it is of God's doing or making.  I do not agree with those who interpret Job 1 to suggest that "nothing evil happens to us that has not first passed through the throne of God."   Yet, God works God's will for our best interests through all of these things.  

 

Through the evil of racism for example, God inspired individuals like Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King to rise up in civil disobedience to make the case that African Americans should not be regarded as second class citizens.   The families of Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown and those who want justice for their deaths carry on the legacy of the civil rights movement today.

 

A few individuals at Stonewall in 1969 rose up to say no to the police brutality of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people; and so began the movement towards a greater equality under the law.  Their historical work gave rise to the work of Harvey Milk, Louie Clay, Bishop V. Gene Robinson and more.

The parents of Matthew Shepard would not allow their grief of the brutal beating that caused his death to keep them from doing something to benefit others.   Judy Shepard's devotion to Matthew helped her to speak up for the safety of LGBT People to be kept safer through the Hate Crimes Bill signed into law just a few years ago.  She continues her advocacy today.

 

One woman who's child was killed because of a drunk driver put herself forward to begin Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD).  

 

Individuals who are tired of the injustice of "illegal" immigrants being deported out of our country, are continuing to call for immigration reform.   

 

Episcopalians who have had it with schools and communities going through the horror of violence out of control at gun point have organized Episcopalians Against Gun Violence.  We do not rejoice about the violence, but we can embrace the transformational grace of God and cooperate with the Holy Spirit to bring about God's Reign of justice, equality and peace for all people.

Today, in this moment God is calling upon us to make a difference in the Church and society.  All of us have the opportunity to do our part as members of the Communion of Saints, by responding to God's movement in our lives.   Let us all pray for each other that we will have the strength to respond in obedience out of love for the honor and glory of God.  

Amen.

Prayers

Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one
communion and fellowship in the mystical body of your Son
Christ our Lord: Give us grace so to follow your blessed saints
in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those
ineffable joys that you have prepared for those who truly love
you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy
Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.  (Collect for All Saints.  The Book of Common Prayer.  p.245).

Almighty God, who created us in your image: Grant us
grace fearlessly to contend against evil and to make no peace
with oppression; and, that we may reverently use our freedom,
help us to employ it in the maintenance of justice in our
communities and among the nations, to the glory of your holy
Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Prayer for Social Justice.  The Book of Common Prayer, p.260).

All Saints Sunday: Beatitude Is Our Attitude

Today's Scripture Readings

Daniel 7: 1-3, 15-18 (NRSV)

In the first year of King Belshazzar of Babylon, Daniel had a dream and visions of his head as he lay in bed. Then he wrote down the dream: I, Daniel, saw in my vision by night the four winds of heaven stirring up the great sea, and four great beasts came up out of the sea, different from one another.

As for me, Daniel, my spirit was troubled within me, and the visions of my head terrified me. I approached one of the attendants to ask him the truth concerning all this. So he said that he would disclose to me the interpretation of the matter: "As for these four great beasts, four kings shall arise out of the earth. But the holy ones of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom for ever—for ever and ever."

Psalm 149 (BCP., p.807)


Ephesians 1:11-23 (NRSV)

In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God's own people, to the praise of his glory.

I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Luke 6:20-31 (NRSV)

Jesus looked up at his disciples and said:

"Blessed are you who are poor,

for yours is the kingdom of God.

"Blessed are you who are hungry now,

for you will be filled.

"Blessed are you who weep now,

for you will laugh.

"Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets.

"But woe to you who are rich,

for you have received your consolation.

"Woe to you who are full now,

for you will be hungry.

"Woe to you who are laughing now,

for you will mourn and weep.

"Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets

"But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you."

Blog Reflection

In the Oxford Concise Dictionary of the Christian Church the following definition is given for the Communion of Saints.

Part of the 9th article of the Apostles Creed.  it is usually interpreted as the spiritual union existing between each Christian adn Christ, and so between every Christian in Heaven, Purgatory, or on earth (p.136).

J.B. Bernard in An Introduction to the Episcopal Church on the subject of the Communion of Saints wrote:

This means the fellowship of Christians with one another through their possession of the one Spirit and their fellowship with Christ.  It applies not only to this world, but also the next.  All Christians are one in Him (p.91).

These quotes along with our Scripture readings on this All Saints Sunday gives us a lot to ponder.   Yet, the greatness of it is not in the amount to think about, but the enormity of God's love for all God's people.  All of us who have been brought together by the Catholic Creeds, to serve in the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, find our oneness in Jesus Christ.  All that is good and holy, with all the potential to be touched by the ever present mercy of God, is because of what Jesus Christ did by His death, resurrection, ascension and the sending of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.  No matter how much the Church may get wrong since it's beginnings, this oneness in Christ, this one belonging to one another because of Christ, means that there are no losers and no one to be excluded.  Everyone is to be invited to receive in faith the Holy Mysteries, and ponder for themselves what salvation in and through Jesus Christ means for them.

In case we need some kind of script to understand what it means to be one in Christ, that we are a part of the Communion of Saints, we need look no further than Paul's letter to the Ephesians. We all share in some way in that inheritance of the Saints in the light of Jesus Christ, so that each of us may know what is true and worthwhile.  None of us are required to agree with one another.  All that is asked of us, is to know in our hearts that God has redeemed us in Christ, and promises the strength of God the Holy Spirit to each of us, as we work on behalf of God to do the ministry of hospitality, healing and reconciliation for all God's people.

As we read the Beatitudes in Luke's Gospel today, we hear Jesus affirming those who are already blessed to be counted as among the Saints.  The poor, the hungry, those who weep, those who love their enemies, and accept God's will in circumstances including those that are just contrary to what we think that they should be.   All of us in one way or another have lived through those moments of being in need, being crushed and broken, and facing injustice, oppression and prejudice.  Yet, Jesus tells us all, that we are blessed, and that God's reward is already there for us.  It is in this moment that we find God's grace calling us to be saints, radically transformed for the work of God's compassion and mercy.   In our Baptism, we have all received that redemption of Christ so that we all share together as members of Christ, as part of the Communion of Saints.

Ten years ago this weekend, The Episcopal Church consecrated and ordained Bishop V. Gene Robinson.  The first openly gay Bishop in the Episcopal Church.  His consecration and ordination has borne the fruit of the Holy Spirit to help LGBT people become more included in the ministry of the Church.  Bishop Gene's voice has been, and continues to be heard amidst all the controversy in the Church over the issues surrounding of sexual orientation and/or gender identity/expression. Those of us who are LGBT have received the Good News of the Gospel, that we too are to be counted among the Communion of Saints, to serve and be served as part of Christ's Body, the Church.   Among us are the poor, the hungry, those who mourn, the pure in heart, those in need of mercy and peace.  Bishop Robinson's consecration and ordination was an act of God answering our prayers, to bring us hope and much grace as we continue the work of inclusion for all God's people.

On this All Saints Sunday, may we count ourselves as among the Communion of Saints.   May we pray to know that we are one in Christ with one another, in all our diversity, arguing and calamity.   Christ is God's presence and peace in the midst of the chaos.  In Christ, is our hope, our faith, our Baptism, and all that God promises in this life, and in the life to come.   May we claim the blessing of God who is + Father, Son and Holy Spirit + for ourselves and others around us.

Amen.


Prayers

Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one
communion and fellowship in the mystical body of your Son
Christ our Lord: Give us grace so to follow your blessed saints
in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those
ineffable joys that you have prepared for those who truly love
you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy
Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. (Collect for All Saints Day, Book of Common Prayer, p. 245).

O God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Savior,
the Prince of Peace: Give us grace seriously to lay to heart the
great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions; take away
all hatred and prejudice, and whatever else may hinder us
from godly union and concord; that, as there is but one Body
and one Spirit, one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith,
one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so we may be all
of one heart and of one soul, united in one holy bond of truth
and peace, of faith and charity, and may with one mind and
one mouth glorify thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen. (Prayer for the Unity of the Church, Book of Common Prayer, p.818).

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us
through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole
human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which
infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us;
unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and
confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in
your good time, all nations and races may serve you in
harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.  (Prayer for the Human Family, Book of Common Prayer, p.815).

All Saints Day: Surrounded by the Cloud of Witnesses

Today's Scripture Verses


Hebrews 12:1-2 (NRSV)

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, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, 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. 

Blog Reflection

This year there will be two blog reflections written on All Saints.   Today's entry and the one this coming Sunday, which can also be called All Saints Sunday.  Today's meditation comes from the Lectionary used at Matins (or Morning Prayer).  This amazing reading from Hebrews 12:1-2 talks about being surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses.  The symbolic imagery created by those words cannot be overstated.

Many modern theologians have given over the idea of Heaven being above us, and Hell being below us, to the idea that the Communion of Saints surrounds us, and that God's Holy Spirit communicates for us and with us.  The great cloud of witnesses that surrounds us is made up of Saints who are both visible and living, and others who have passed beyond our sight and share in the Beatific vision of God in all glory.  The Anglican World-Wide Communion of Saints invites all of us to throw off the sins that keep us from freely loving God, neighbor and ourselves with a total abandonment to the will of God.  The Saints have looked to Jesus who is the "pioneer and perfecter of our faith."   The faith to know God, and live by the words and actions of Jesus, who has given the Holy Spirit to the whole Church in it's history and even now at this moment.  

If the Saints who make up the cloud of witnesses are calling us to live and imitate Jesus, so we too are Saints cooperating with the Spirit in our own lives and communities.  In our common Baptism and sharing in the one Bread and one Cup of the Lord's Supper, we are united to the Saints of all ages, as they are united to us in the One Body of Christ which is the Church.  This is such good news.  It means that all of us are included and no one has been excluded from the opportunity to serve God in faith, hope and love.  The Saints who include many individuals, women and men, LGBT and straight, of one religion or another, some who struggled greatly with who they were and how they love others, help us in the midst of our struggles to put Jesus Christ in the center of our lives and serve others in His Name.

It is important to note that each of the Saints understood the Christian Faith in unique ways.  Nothing said they had to agree, all that was important was their faith in God and desire to live holy lives.   Given that they are among our great cloud of witnesses, can we even in 2013 do any different?


Prayer

Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one
communion and fellowship in the mystical body of your Son
Christ our Lord: Give us grace so to follow your blessed saints
in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those
ineffable joys that you have prepared for those who truly love
you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy
Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.  (Collect for All Saints, Book of Common Prayer, p.245)