November 1st is All Saint’s Day and on November 3rd we will remember the St. Mark members who died in the past twelve months. As I reflect on all the saints who have influenced my life, I am beyond grateful for each one of them. Some of the saints I knew really well and others not so much. Some saints came in my life for just a moment and others were there when I was born. No matter how long I knew them, each saint had an impact on my life.
Bernard
Bangley writes, “Since there are many more Christian saints than the three
hundred and sixty-five days of the year, this day is set aside to honor all of
them. Many saints have never had their
names mentioned beyond a very small circle of friends. Not all saints are alike. Spiritual gifts are as varied as the many interests
and ability that exists in the broad spectrum of people. Some saints have a mystical experience;
others do not. Some saints stay busily
at work in the world; other saints have neither the energy nor the social
skills for that. Many saints have no
idea that they are saints. One saint
will rediscover the value of tradition, while another saint will open new doors
of innovation. Each life has a purpose
and fits into God’s grand scheme the way plants –an oak or a trillium – grow in
the forest.”
I love this
quote. It speaks to the many types of
saints and how each one has a purpose. I
invite you to reflect on the saints in your life. I encourage you to say their name or light a
candle in memory of them. You will have
the opportunity to light a candle on Sunday morning during worship and a time
to say their name during the prayers. I
give God thanks for all the saints that I have known throughout my lifetime.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Katrina Steingraeber
No comments:
Post a Comment