All Saints 2015
I've been auditing a "Pastoral Theology" course through the Ecclesial University which is a partnership between my parish and Wycliffe College (U of T). This weekend we had a special seminar with a professor from Wycliffe College. She went around the room asking the students what they hoped to get out of the class on Saturday afternoon. For me, I said something like, "How do we build our "tolerance" for suffering without become hardhearted or pessimistic?" As I listened in class, thought about Scripture, and then went to church today, I had an idea: the Saints!
Why would I think they are the answer to my question? Because they have lived it. They have suffered and persevered. They have shared in the sufferings of others and continued to have hope in Christ.
For me, I need role models. People who believe in Christ and are able to continue on in the faith after devastating things happen. People who care deeply about others and are able to accept that things don't always go as we hoped, that prayers aren't always answered. People who are disappointed and even hurt by what happens as they love God and others but never retreat from continuing to offer themselves to God and others in loving service. People who show me how to trust in Jesus.
The Saints are these people! Think about it - who has inspired your faith? What stories give you encouragement when you are struggling?
Now, I will say that I do not only think of those who have died in the category of "saint". I include all sisters and brothers in Christ. For me this weekend, my prof fulfilled this role. As I saw her compassion, as I listened to her realistic perspective, and as I shared in discussions of the amazing redemption possible in Christ, I was built up and encouraged. I took a step in trusting God with the mess of this world that we find ourselves in.
Today at church we celebrated "All Saints". The sermon described the light of Christ that shines from each saint. We lit candles and candlelabras representing all those who had gone before us. The whole room lit up. It was beautiful! After that we celebrated baptisms. After the baptism, each child was given a candle then the whole congregation said,
"Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)
That's what the saints have done. They have let the light of Jesus inside of them shine out to the world around. So as you walk through this week, I encourage you to remember the saints, to take time to read stories, listen to fellow Christians, and even "google" those who have gone before us in the faith and let their lives/their light encourage you and draw you into worshipping and glorifying God.
Why would I think they are the answer to my question? Because they have lived it. They have suffered and persevered. They have shared in the sufferings of others and continued to have hope in Christ.
For me, I need role models. People who believe in Christ and are able to continue on in the faith after devastating things happen. People who care deeply about others and are able to accept that things don't always go as we hoped, that prayers aren't always answered. People who are disappointed and even hurt by what happens as they love God and others but never retreat from continuing to offer themselves to God and others in loving service. People who show me how to trust in Jesus.
The Saints are these people! Think about it - who has inspired your faith? What stories give you encouragement when you are struggling?
Now, I will say that I do not only think of those who have died in the category of "saint". I include all sisters and brothers in Christ. For me this weekend, my prof fulfilled this role. As I saw her compassion, as I listened to her realistic perspective, and as I shared in discussions of the amazing redemption possible in Christ, I was built up and encouraged. I took a step in trusting God with the mess of this world that we find ourselves in.
Today at church we celebrated "All Saints". The sermon described the light of Christ that shines from each saint. We lit candles and candlelabras representing all those who had gone before us. The whole room lit up. It was beautiful! After that we celebrated baptisms. After the baptism, each child was given a candle then the whole congregation said,
"Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)
That's what the saints have done. They have let the light of Jesus inside of them shine out to the world around. So as you walk through this week, I encourage you to remember the saints, to take time to read stories, listen to fellow Christians, and even "google" those who have gone before us in the faith and let their lives/their light encourage you and draw you into worshipping and glorifying God.
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