Thoughts for the Day

Blessings and Woes

Then Jesus looked up at his disciples and said:

‘Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.
‘Blessed are you who are hungry now,
for you will be filled.
‘Blessed are you who weep now,
for you will laugh.

‘Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice on that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets.

‘But woe to you who are rich,
for you have received your consolation.
‘Woe to you who are full now,
for you will be hungry.
‘Woe to you who are laughing now,
for you will mourn and weep.

‘Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets.

Love for Enemies

‘But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Bible)

Thoughts

From the foundation of Christianity the Church has recognised the heroes and heroines as the foundation stones upon which it has been built, and which forge a link between us on earth and those in heaven. But from the beginning, as well as those who were killed for their faith the ordinary christians who followed Jesus were called to be 'saints' (1 Corinthians 1.2), that is they were called to live a holy and faithful life. All Saints' Day is part of a few days of Christian festivals that was commonly known as All Hallows. It starts with All Saints and goes on to All Souls' Day, and has always been a time where the curtain between the two worlds is thin, hence the current festivities for Halloween.

In the Anglican Church All Saints' Day is a principal feast day and often begins at vespers continuing through the following day and coinciding with the time that children are out dressed as witches and ghosts and knocking on doors for sweets. The liturgical colour for All Saints, symbolising the shining robes of the martyrs, is white. For the early church that underwent great persecution, such a time of remembrance of those who faithfully followed Christ even to torture and death, must have been a great encouragement! Today gives us a moment to celebrate them for their faithfulness as well as remembering those christians with deeply held beliefs who have affected our own journey of faith, and to give thanks to God for their life and witness.

Collect for All Saints' Day

Almighty God,
you have knit together Your elect
in one communion and fellowship
in the mystical body of Your Son Christ our Lord:
grant us grace so to follow Your blessed saints
in all virtuous and godly living,
that we may come to those inexpressible joys
that you have prepared for those who truly love You.
Amen.