This Friday we commemorate All Saints Day and celebrate both the Saints we’ve read about and the saints we know. We are reminded of their devotion to God and the works they did in His name. We are reminded of their great examples of faith, love, and trust. And for me, All Saints Day is also about the loved ones I’ve lost and how much I miss them. Of course, I think of them often, but this date encourages me to encounter them outside of the loss I feel. All Saints Day helps me to better connect with them and helps me seek the Communion of Saints that is so much a part of our faith.
When I was much younger, I remember reciting the words ‘Communion of Saints’ in the creed each week, but the idea itself was a mystery to me. I recall a conversation with my mother when I was about eight years old. I know now that as she was sharing, she was revealing to me the foundation of this Communion. A neighbor had unexpectedly passed away after a brief illness. Mom brought food to their house and spent a little time with the family to offer comfort and companionship. Our conversation was why Mom had such a deep sadness for this family. They did not believe in God, so the husband’s/father’s death was truly final to them. Mom ached for their grieving hearts without the comfort of the Resurrection.
I attended a funeral just last week. In his homily, the priest certainly acknowledged our loss and grief, but he said what he is supposed to (and what we know but can’t always feel), that God is with us in our suffering. He is also with our loved one who now rests peacefully in the arms of the Lord. In our humanity, we of course still grieve. Some memories help, some hurt. Just seeing specific dates on the calendar can cut deeply and reopen wounds in our hearts that had just begun to heal. Yet somewhere in the midst of our excruciating pain from loss, the promise of life is our comfort and hope. In the Gospel reading for All Saints Day, we hear as part of the Beatitudes, Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. (Matt 5:4) Our spiritual strength is through the Resurrected Christ and in our eternal life with Him.
As we remember our loved ones, especially this Friday, I pray there is joy and thanksgiving among the loss and that we feel the grace of Communion with our beloved saints.
Journeying to Grace 