ALL SAINTS DAY
When I mentioned I was writing about “All Saints Day” a friend asked why. Jokingly I replied, “My goal is to double the number of people celebrating it.” Honestly, I fear that goal would not be too difficult to pull off. That is sad, really. We honor presidents, both good and bad (not speaking of my own lifetime, there have been some not-so-savory ones). So, why not honor those men and women who have devoted their lives to serving God?
November 1 is a special day to honor saints we appreciate.
If “saints” were just good people, no one would have trouble remembering any. A saint is NOT a stranger who stopped to help you when you had a flat tire. A saint is NOT that person in line ahead of you who “paid it forward.” Those are good people. I have plenty of respect for good people. I try to be a “good people” myself. However, a saint’s main characteristic is not goodness. That being said, I’ve never met a saint who was not.
The main characteristic of a saint is unfailing faith in God. If they are also good it is because they are following God’s example, not following some innate goodness or a path laid out by some philosophy. It is also worth knowing that a person does not have to be dead to be a saint.
I remember some saints…
1. Mr Beitler. He and his wife came from Germany as young folk and still had the accent. They loved God and were faithful to his service. That is, they sought ways to live as Christ had called them to live. I never heard them use an unkind word or tone. They attended the church of my youth. When Mrs. Beitler passed, Mr. Beitler did not step away from service to God. Even into his 80s you could find him planting and watering the church flower bed on Saturday mornings. His ministry to God was evident in the beauty of God’s creation. It all came out of his own pocket and his labor. There were no weeds. From spring to fall the flowers were gorgeous. Eventually when he passed the amount of effort he had given the project became evident as the flower beds quickly were overgrown. He served God with the intentional use of his green thumb.
2. Ms Howey. She was a strange one. She cleaned one of the first churches I attended as an adult. Neither planting flowers nor cleaning the church makes one eligible for sainthood. In her case it was what she could do. She was not highly educated or skilled. I doubt she could carry a tune. What she could do for Christ she did with joy. She asked nothing of anyone, but was willing to help whomever…whenever…if she could. My wife and I learned from her lowly service how to make a difference with whatever abilities we have. She is also gone now.
3. Charles lost his wife and gained devotion to God. He blossomed in his love for God and others. That is not to say he was not devoted before his wife died, he was. However, it became obvious after. We have fond memories of his devotion and friendship.
4. I am enjoying being around another saint or two now. One is devoted to Christ and, thus, is committed to help his pastor as needed. Not long ago our pastor was suddenly ill and this saint “filled the pulpit” that Sunday on short notice. That is not his forte, but God gave him a beautiful message to share. He puts himself where God can use him even when it is not comfortable or easy. It would be easy to overlook his sainthood if you were not aware of his commitment to serving Christ by serving others. I would love to write how he came to know Christ, but he is not interested in that.
Christianity.com says: “All Saints Day relates to giving God earnest gratitude for the lives and deaths of his saints, remembering those who were well-known and not. Additionally, individuals throughout Christian history are celebrated, such as Peter the Apostle and Charles Wesley, as well as people who have personally guided one to faith in Jesus, such as one’s relative or friend.”
There is one hymn which commemorates saints: “For All the Saints”
(Lyrics: William How; Music: Ralph Vaughan Williams)
For all the saints, who from their labors rest,
Who Thee by faith before the world confessed,
Thy Name, O Jesus, be forever blessed.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Thou wast their Rock, their Fortress and their Might;
Thou, Lord, their Captain in the well fought fight;
Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true Light.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
It also commemorates the variety of those who are saints…the Apostles, the Evangelists, those martyred for their faith, and those of us who live the holy life and triumph over evil daily … it concludes with these 2 verses:
But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day;
The saints triumphant rise in bright array;
The King of glory passes on His way.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast,
Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
And singing to Father, Son and Holy Ghost:
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Who have you known who should be honored for their devotion and service to God?
Copyright 2023 Donald Whelpley
[PLEASE NOTE that Don is always open to discussing the thoughts and opinions he shares here and welcomes comments as shared in the comment section. He doesn’t use other social media platforms, as I do, and won’t see whatever you’d like to share with him if you post it elsewhere. ~ Sherry]
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~ COOL! ~ Wind Chimes, part I ~ It Is Time To… ~ Courthouse Statue ~ The Effect of Crime On Small Business ~
~ Young Brains ~ Why We Miss ~ Helpful Pests ~ Giving Up Your Seat ~ Obedience ~ Good Mental Habits ~
~ Winning The Lottery ~ Why Sarcasm Does Not Translate ~ OOPS! That’s How I Write ~
~ The RE-COLONIZATION of America, pt. II ~ Laws The U.S. Should Enact ~ The Re-Colonization Of America, pt. I ~
~ How To Retire On Less ~ State Song ~ The “Holier Than Thou” Attitude of “The Boy Who Cried ‘Wolf’” ~
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~ Student Loans ~ A Government ~ Going To Church ~ Anheuser-Busch ~ Hans Van Doorn ~ The Wrong Problem ~
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~ Public Schools III ~ Public Schools II ~ Public Schools I ~ 5-Star Reviews ~ Fractions Matter! ~ Small Spoons ~
~ Dumpster ~ Weird Forgiveness III ~ Weird Forgiveness II ~ Weird Forgiveness I ~
~ Classified Documents ~ Future You Needs A Friend ~ Feeling Understood ~ Starting The New Year Right ~
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Wednesday, November 1: I met with a group of men for brunch today. Each one fondly recounted one “unknown” saint in his life. The stories were more than heartwarming. Those were people who made an impact on other people because of their devotion to God.