Those Who Love Us Into Being (Sermon preached 5 November 2023)

This All Saints’ Day service is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful things we do here at St. Matthew’s.

 

It’s beautiful because of the music…thank you, Choir, Orchestra, Dwayne. It’s beautiful because of the remembering, and naming, of those who have passed into the nearer presence of God, when we read the Necrology in a few minutes.

 

And it is beautiful, especially today, as our world is being torn apart by human violence, and there’s so much heartbreak and grief out there, because we are taking this time out, to come together, and just be here. Be here and remember these ones who have shown, in their lives, the goodness and wholeness that’s possible for human beings; the love, grace, generosity, compassion and courage, that are the imago dei – that of God, in each of us.

 

The Church has been commemorating the Feast of All Saints since the fourth century. Initially it was to honor the “capital S” Saints - apostles and heroes and martyrs. More recently, though, Anglican observance has been expanded to include the “lower case s” saints - those we love and see no longer, who have been especially important to us in our lives. Today we honor them, too.

 

In 1997, Fred Rogers, “Mr. Rogers” of children’s TV fame, received an Emmy Award for Lifetime Achievement. In his acceptance speech, which you can find on YouTube, Mr. Rogers reminded that audience, filled with beautiful, creative, incredibly successful people, how important it is to remember those “small s” saints – who have been there for us along the way. The ones who have seen us, and supported us, and encouraged us.

He said to them, “All of us have special ones who have loved us into being...(read more)