Grace and peace to each one of you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. On the first Sunday of November, many of our churches observe All-Saint's Sunday. As we honor the lives of our loved ones who have died over this past year, we also remember those around the world who have died of COVID-19, over one million, one hundred and twenty-seven thousand children, youth, women, and men. We grieve the loss of every life, each one precious in God’s sight. And we remember that what affects one affects all of us.
As the seasons change, the air becomes crisp, and the leaves turn and fall to the ground, we receive with quiet joy the gift of magnificent colors. At the same time, with so many losses, when many are not even able to see their loved ones, we are reminded of the importance of letting go of what we want and thinking about what is best for all. For we are all part of one human family, intertwined with one another. Each life and death matters. The apostle Paul reminds us, “For I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus our Lord: not death or life, not angels or rulers, not present things or future things, not powers or height or depth, or any other thing that is created.”
Let us pray,
On this day of the saints of life,
Send the dew that makes faith grow strong,
Establish in our beings the law of eternal love.
On this day of the saints of power,
Quell the wrath of the squalls that break.
Be with us in the eye of the storm,
Your compass in our hearts.
On this day of the saints of virtue,
Be with us in our tasks, heavn’s company sharing our work,
Bringing us mercy and peace.
Encourage those you call to run their race with all their heart.
Keep us worthy of our calling,
That we may come with your saints to glory everlasting.
Hasten the day when we shall be one.
As they shine, may we shine.
As we walk in their steps, may we join them in glory everlasting. Amen.
(singing)
For all the Saints who from their labors rest,
Who thee by faith before the world confessed,
Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest. Alleluia, Alleluia.