Hello, fellow pilgrims. As we approach the Feast of All Saints’, this Sunday, photos of your loved ones have been trickling in to take their place on our memorial table. To see the faces of all those whom we’ve loved and lost is such an intimate gift and it has me reflecting upon the gifts each of those loved ones have offered us through their lives. The gifts of time and companionship, grace and forgiveness, truth-telling and commitment, hugs and handholding, hope, love, and support. And that goes for both human and furry companions. Scripture teaches us that all believers, regardless of maturity, sin, or role, are saints. In fact, the early church addressed believers as saints, and this is abundantly illustrated through Paul’s letters to the Romans, Corinthians, Colossians, Ephesians, and Philippians. There is no spiritual caste system. We are marked as saints by Christ, due to His grace and not our merit. We are all equal in Christ’s realm and are all called to live holy and faithful lives—all images of Christ in the world. And so, The Feast of All Saints’ is a holy day during which we celebrate all saints, canonized or not, including companions whom we have loved and lost.
Because I am intimately engaged with saints and their families as they approach and encounter death, I am privileged to witness the gifts and vulnerabilities of being human and in relationship. For me, the photos on our memorial table are stories longing to be shared and appreciated… and remembered. I see the grandmother who loved teaching her grandchildren how to crochet; the grandfather who loved teaching his grandchildren how to fish; the mother whose warm hugs are missed so deeply. I see furry companions who loved us unconditionally, even in our worst moments; fathers who were comedians and heroes and protectors. Sisters and brothers who were fiercely protective and present, come what may. I see final words and words left unspoken. I see that there is never enough time… never enough time. I see reminders that life is a gift and is way too short, no matter how long. I… see… love.
During Bible Study last Sunday, a parishioner reminded us of a beautiful blessing that sums up this call to live holy and faithful lives, and to love and appreciate the gifts before us. The blessing is a quote from Swiss philosopher Henri-Frédéric Amiel, and it goes like this:
“Life is short. We don’t have much time to gladden the hearts of those
who walk this way with us. So, be swift to love and make haste to be kind.”
Be swift to love, and never forget that you are Beautiful and you are Beloved.
Angela+