First there was the “Black lives matter” movement. Then, that was quickly followed with “Blue Lives matter” movement. And then ultimately it was realized and stated that “All lives matter.”
Well, I have a new movement for you…all lives “lived before ours” – matter, as well. Lives lived “simultaneously” with that of our own – matter. And “future lives” matter.
As far as I am concerned this is just taking seriously – the blessed “communion of saints.”
We are fortunate. We know that we are surrounded by a “great and mighty cloud of witnesses.” Each and every time you enter into “this sanctuary” – it is “hard to miss.” We are surrounded. We are indeed in a “thin place.”
Our prayers of gratitude or blessing for our beloved saints testify to the interconnectedness of all of life; not even death can separate us from the love of our God – or – from our loved ones.
November 1st as you well know – is the
official day for the blessed saints in light…and the celebration “for” the blessed saints “and martyrs” started very early on in the life of the rather young fledgling church.
It was practiced among the faithful – long before it received the sanction and the blessings of the church. It was a “ground up” movement…a “grass roots” movement.
Martin Luther expanded the idea of sainthood to include “all Christians” on earth and in heaven.
They are not saints because they were without sin. Far be it. Nor is it because – they have become saintly through their countless acts of good works. Again, far be it.
On the contrary, they themselves with all their words, thoughts and actions are nothing more than a bunch of condemned sinners. They are tainted with sin. Immersed in sin…cloaked and covered with sin…
They became holy – through our Lord, Jesus Christ, who was given to them in faith in Baptism, and thus became their own.
They are saved by faith. …Saved by the grace of God. Luther taught and believed…that “this faith” was so strong and so powerful that it covered and wiped away “all sins,” all “shortcomings,” all “errors” and all “misdoings.” God our God, is greater and more powerful than anything else, including our ability to separate ourselves from him.
So, “all those lives” lived “before us” do matter.
But at the same exact time, as we look around the sanctuary – we are also to notice that we are in the company of some present day saints.
Folks just like you and me who have struggled with the temptations and the evils of this world…
People with limitations and handicaps, people with scars and hurts that go unseen…
All – saints are wounded and carry some form of baggage…none of us are perfect…and yet most saints would give you the shirt off their backs, if you but asked them. They have engaged and struggled with life.
We each do the best with what we have been given. And we are constantly reminded that we can still do more.
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.
We are saints in training…wannabe saints…prayerful saints…and yet, as Luther also pointed out – we are sinners at the same time.
So this weekend we gather together to remember the saints; those before us, those with us and those who will come after us…they all matter… They all count.
They are individuals profoundly loved by our God and are individuals who aspire to do more and to do better each and every day…
May God bless all the saints among us this morning…and especially those who are about to receive their first holy communion and those confirming their faith.
And may his most blessed saints in heaven watch over us and protect us all…