A MONTH OF REMEMBERING
November can be a gloomy month – the nights go darker and the weather often turns colder. Rain and mist are often a common feature of this month. The changes in season are vital for nature. The soil needs to be watered and made ready for the next round of planting. November is also a month of remembering the saints and all those who lost their lives in past and present conflicts. Regrettably there are still wars raging and many local areas of conflict.
The 1st November is All Saints Day; this has been celebrated since the 4th century and, by the year 800, it became firmly established in the church calendar. It is a good time to remember not only the official saints established through the church but all the unofficial saints we have encountered during our own lives.
“To those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus called to be saints, together with all of those who in every place, call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians ch.1, v.2). That is anyone who has made the love of God a true reality in their own lives. We especially honour them all this month.
You may want to think about and pray for those who have been especially influential in your life in the past and in the here and now. Some may no longer be in this world but, still, we remember them. It brings to mind the words from a famous hymn: “I want to be in that number when the saints go marching in.”
There is then no need to be gloomy. We can be inspired by all those who presently shine light into our lives and all who have done so in the past. We should also remember that Christ came into the world to shine through the dark times and the darkness will never overcome him. Let us then celebrate all the saints, especially those in our family here at St John’s.
Best wishes and blessings,
Reverend Debra