Today on November 1, Christians the world over celebrate the Feast of All Saints, a day for us to reflect on the life and witness of those who have departed this mortal life. The celebration is also know as All Hallows Day, which is preceded by All Hallows Eve (October 31), a day that, over the centuries has because known for tricks and treats rather than for celebrating a witness to Christ. May we as followers of Jesus reclaim this celebration of the saints who have borne witness to Christ and honor their legacy. Throughout the centuries there have been countless saints who have borne witness to the gospel through martyrdom. There are countless others who have borne witness to the gospel through service and sacrifice. Today we honor those saints. As current members of the “church militant” (those who are still fighting the good fight of faith), let us remember and thank our Lord Jesus for the saints who are now members of the “church triumphant” (those who have finished the race and are in his presence). These saints include famous ones such as the Apostles, Augustine, Aquinas, etc. Yet it also includes countless others who we will only meet in eternity. These saints even include members of our own families who bore witness to the gospel in our lives. Use the collect (prayer) of the day below and the Bible reading selection in your devotional time today, as we celebrate all of the saints who have gone before us.
Collect (Prayer) of the Day
Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical Body of your Son: Give us grace so to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous and
godly living, that we may come to those ineffable joys that you have prepared for those who truly love you; through Jesus Christ
our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. (taken from the ACNA Book of Common Prayer, 2019)
Bible Reading
Hebrews 11:32-12:2 (ESV)
And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Photo: The Forerunners of Christ with Saints and Martyrs by Fra Angelico (public domain)
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