PENTECOST XXIV     

ALL SAINTS’ SUNDAY

November 7, 2021

“Saints and Sinners — and God’s Children”      

I wonder what the appropriate response would be, if, on Sunday morning at church, someone walked up and greeted you, saying, “Happy All Saints’ Day!”  Would you look around and behind you to see who they’re talking to?  Would you try not to just say, “Huh?” in bewilderment?  It sounds terribly awkward, but we modest Lutherans can stand up joyfully and respond, “Thank you very much.  And Happy All Saints’ to you, too!”  Because, after all, we’re all in this together.     

Traditionally, All Saints is a time of remembrance and gratitude, as we recall the many people who have made a difference in our lives and our faith journeys.  They may be the towering figures of history — Christ himself, the early apostles and evangelists, Paul, Martin Luther.  We honor Mary, the mother of our Lord, and her total trust in God; the women who came to the empty tomb, and didn’t hesitate to spread the news of his resurrection;  or Mary and Martha, who provided hospitality as well as open hearts to Jesus and the disciples.       

There’s a very personal side to this day of celebration and honor, as our hearts are touched by the memories of those who loved and taught us, who supported and reassured us, who inspired and encouraged us.  As the years go on, that list gets longer, and we are humbled to be the recipients of these gifts.     

Now, let’s take the next step — and don’t be too taken aback — and that is to recognize that we are all saints.  Just because our names aren’t in history books, Biblical texts, or important buildings doesn’t mean we aren’t saints.  As God’s baptized children, all are saints, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are able to do God’s work and will in the world.     

In her book, “Accidental Saints,” Pastor Nadia Bolz-Webber writes:  “. . . it has been my experience that what makes us the saints of God is not our ability to be saintly but rather God’s ability to work through sinners.  The title “saint” is always conferred, never earned.  Or as the good Saint Paul puts it:  ‘For it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.’ “   (Philippians 2:13)         

As Lutheran Christians, we admire the courage and dedication of Martin Luther, appreciating his insights and the solid foundation on which we stand today.  We are further blessed by the lives of the everyday saints who quietly served those who needed a helping hand, doing the everyday work of ministry, not concerned with titles or credit.  In the Large Catechism, Luther wrote,“God’s word is the treasure that makes everything holy . . . At whatever time God’s Word is taught, preached, heard, read, or pondered, there the person, the day, and the work is hallowed, and not on account of the external work but on account of the Word that makes us all saints.” 

In loving remembrance of the everyday saints,

Your friend in Christ,

Mary Rogers