1 November 2020 All Saints

After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice, saying,
‘Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!’.

From Apocalypse 7:2-4,914, NRSV

This wonderful vision of salvation must have brought great hope and comfort to the early Christians. Their choice to proclaim Christ as their Lord meant that they suffered great persecution from the might of the Roman Empire whose subjects were expected to worship the Emperor. Today we have greater freedom in choosing to be Christians, but perhaps we face some of the same challenges in remaining faithful to the values of the gospel. Gospel values are often different from those of the world we live in and it takes a conscious effort to remain true to our calling. Today we remember and honour all the countless ordinary people who strived to do just that and who now enjoy the reward of eternal life with God.

• • What is your vision of heaven?
  • When have you felt a conflict between the values of our culture and those of your faith?

Give thanks today for the saints you have known – you may find this prayer helpful.

They left their mark on the earth for you, for us, for our children to come. Thank you, God, for the tremendous sacrifices made by those who have gone before us. Bless the memories of your saints, God. May we learn how to walk wisely from their examples of faith, dedication, worship, and love.