As we approach our observance of All Saints Day at St. Mark’s, I wonder who are the saints you see in your mind’s eye. My Mom was no spring chicken when she and Dad welcomed me to the world. In my adult years, and her older years, I lived at some distance from Mississippi, our home state. In Sunday afternoon long distance conversations with Mom, she would frequently tell me about the many funerals she had been attending. I was concerned that so much attention to so much grieving would drag her down. But I clearly misunderstood. This was my Mom’s way of honoring her friends, of saying goodbye to them, and bearing witness to their faith. She was shining a light on those who had “come out of the great ordeal.”
That phrase “those who have come out of the great ordeal” comes from the seventh chapter of the Revelation of John. In this widely misunderstood but poetically beautiful book, the writer points to a procession of those who are dressed in white. These are, most specifically, those who have died as martyrs during persecution, and are kept by God’s undying love. Still, the text also hints that these are all the children of God. For all, at some point or another, or in some way or another, “come through the great ordeal,” which is death.
This will be the theme of our service at St. Mark’s as we honor our saints. The text for the sermon comes from the Revelation of John, chapter 7, verses 9-17, which will be read by Glenda Murray. The sermon is titled, “Those Who Have Come out of the Great Ordeal: An All Saints Day Reflection.” During the service, we will read names, toll bells, and light a candle for those connected to our congregation who have died in the past year. We will also celebrate Holy Communion, as well as give congregants a chance to individually light candles for others they are remembering. The Sanctuary Choir, accompanied by Lois Leong and directed by Gerry Sousa, will lead us musically. We will sing, pray and have a time for children.