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)
Friends:
One of the most concrete ways that God provides for us is by sending amazing people into our lives. We have each benefitted from relationships with special people that have provided support and encouragement for us along the way. This is the type of sainthood that we celebrate on All Saints Day. Perhaps the hymn explains it the best:
They lived not only in ages past, there are hundreds and thousands still,
The world is bright with the joyous saints who love to do Jesus' will.
You can meet them in school, or in lanes, or at sea,
in church, or in trains, or at shops, or at tea,
for the saints of God are just folk like me,
and I mean to be one, too.
Give thanks to God for the myriad saints that have come into your life. They are tangible ways that God reminds you how much you are loved. Then, in response, go and "be one, too!"
Blessings,
David+
