I have studied a lot of words and played around with a whole bunch of words in my life time…
It is funny what you choose to address and what you choose “not to address.”
This last week and throughout the past weekend I have been thinking about “all” saints.
I wanted to know “what” we are actually “talking about” or “saying” when we say “all” saints…
Does “all” really mean “all?” Who is “in” and who is “out,” or if you are talking “all,” is it even possible that any or some are ever eliminated?
According to those in the know, when we use the word “all” we are talking about the “whole of” … it is either the “whole quantity” or the “whole amount.”
To use the word “all” means … “nothing but”…we are talking … “the whole number,” the “greatest possible…”
We are talking about “every,” “any,” and “only” – when we are talking “all” where are there any exceptions? “All is all.”
Is it possible for there to be exceptions to “all?” (Scholars argue!)
The online dictionaries furthered to say, that by talking “all” you are talking “exclusively”…or you are talking “completely…” as in, “every single one…”
When we use the word “all” we are talking “entirely,” “wholly,” “everything…that is”
The whole “thing”…the whole “shebang!” the whole being…
So just so you know and understand when we rather loosely throw around the words – “All Saints,” we are really making “a statement” and saying more than “a thing or two…”
Which I guess is to say that there is a whole lot of meaning that is packed into the word “all,” as in, “ALL” SAINTS!
When you think about it, “all” includes some of the most “beloved people” known to us and by us!
They are kind, they are good, and they have warmth all their own…they may or may not be family.
To say the words “all” saints is to call to mind “specific individuals,” particular beloved faces, names and a tonnage of memories…that come flowing back…
There are smiles, and there are looks…and mannerisms…with a whole lot of love and acceptance thrown in for good measure.
But at the very same time – we each have to understand that “All” includes those – beloved by “others” as well…
It is not just us…
“Others” are allowed their beloved…
Others are allowed “their fond memories…” too!
“Others” are allowed their share of their own very personal memories, and warmth, as well……………
“No one” apparently has the “CORNER” on the “MARKET” when it comes to “All” Saints…
The Book of Revelation actually tries to describe it or to paint a portrait of it – for us – using words, and it says:
“A number no one could count” with saints from every nation, from “all” tribes and “all” peoples and “all” languages…
So, “All” Saints brings into focus our own beloved dead (whom we miss dearly) – while also “stretching our imagination” toward “the whole company of saints,” more diverse and more populous than we can ever fully comprehend…or realize!!!!
“All” of them are saved by Grace.
It is the grace of God that saves and not we, ourselves.
And it is an especially Lutheran accent for the feast to honor not only those who lived exemplary lives, but “all” who have been baptized into Christ’s death.
So, according to our belief system – in Christ “every sinner is a saint”…and at the very same time, “every saint is a sinner.” That would be “all” of us, like it or not!!!
It is that old, there is a “little bit good” in everyone, just as there is a “little bit bad” in everyone…or in “all” of us…
We are indeed “a complex mixture” of good and bad, sinner and saint, both at the same time…
Folks in our denomination have always been among those to quickly point out – we find lasting rest “only” in the mercy of our God.
It is God who gives us “rest eternal” with him.
That sounds so comforting. Like something to be anticipated, wanted and longed for…
But of course, only in God’s sweet time…when we get to join “all” the blessed saints in light…
Amen.