ALL SAINTS’ DAY
November 1, 2020
“The Word That Makes us All Saints”
Happy All Saints’ Day to everyone! How do you plan to celebrate? Will you be polishing up your halo, or perhaps making a list of all your good deeds (with gold stars, of course) for the past year? Or maybe you’ll spend the day in whatever saintly pursuits you feel are best suited to your talents.
If you think this introductory paragraph is just a little too silly, you’re quite correct, but then again, think for a moment of how we tend to define saints in our minds and even our society. They’re either those elevated to that status formally, or those who exhibited the most saintly behavior throughout their lives. Primarily, they’re people we feel we wouldn’t relate to or connect with.
In reality, however, saints are not only historic figures or those we’ve known and loved who are no longer living. They’re everywhere — around the dinner table, next door and down the street, faces on a Zoom gathering, and the voices we hear when someone calls to say hello and see how we’re doing.
The idea that saints represent perfection is a human concept, and it’s very hard to let it go. Saying, “Well, yes, I can call a lot of people I’ve known saints, but I can’t apply that to myself,” is actually a false modesty. You are, I am, we all are God’s own saints, not because of anything we do or say, but because God makes us so. Scripture tells us that God has grace enough to give us faith as a free gift, so surely he has grace and power in abundance to strengthen us for the tasks to which we are called.
Our observances of Reformation and All Saints occur back-to-back, and appropriately so. The connection between Martin Luther’s teaching of “the priesthood of all believers” and our grateful remembrance on this day is quite direct. We intentionally recall those who have died in the last year, as their earthly presence is still vivid in our thoughts. We also recognize those who have laid the foundation of what has become Christ’s church on earth. We may not know their names or specifically what they did, but we have reaped the benefits of their faithful service.
Luther both learned and taught Scripture, understanding that God’s Word has endless creative power, speaking to and working among his people.
“At whatever time God’s Word is taught, preached, heard, read, or pondered, there the person, the day, and the work is hallowed, not on account of the external work but on account of the Word that makes us all saints.” (Martin Luther’s Large Catechism)
Throughout Scripture, the message is consistent: we are human, we make mistakes, and we don’t do everything perfectly, but we are also forgiven sinners, God’s own saints, his dearly loved children. The Apostle Paul encouraged the Philippians, “It is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” (Ch. 2:13)
Thankful for a life blessed by saints!
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers