Dead People. No, actually this is not about Halloween.
It is not about graveyards either. Those two do go together for that major celebration, but I am thinking about different dead people. Some are ancestors. Some are people I have met and known along the way.
I am talking about saints. Not the official kind; though there is room for those as well. These are the personal kind who have shaped me, moulded me and been part of who I am. They are all people who have shown me what my Jewish friends call loving kindness and gentle direction. There are many of them and I have been reflecting on them all this past week. It has been a very busy week.
I have done service in Canterbury Court, working with the Anglicans there. I have been with a man who is in chronic pain and is nearing the end of his life. He had many spiritual questions. I have worked with a number of people who are looking for help in several ways (especially administratively) and I have been amazed how God and Jesus through the Holy Spirit continue to send people to us whom no one has seen before. Just the usual work going on.
In all that, I have been remembering Hebrews 12:1-3. The saints for me are those who have gone before us. The saints in my life are those who have shown me support, care, encouragement, love as well as grace and mercy. The saints all have one thing in common. All would claim they are not, not, not saints. I beg to differ.
They were with me at low points in my life. They were there when I needed guidance most. And they were there when I thought I needed help the least. And that is because they did the hardest part of being a Christian. They were there to be silent, listen and walk beside me. I cherish them all.
Now, who has filled that role in some way in your life? Stop this week to remember them and give thanks. Pr. Scott
