Earlier this evening, with the moon but a sliver in the sky, I walked through the cemetery of St. Lucas UCC church located only a block from our house. Children were out trick or treating in the subdivision just behind the cemetery. As usual, the residents of the cemetery were calm and quiet, being that they are laid back people.
The only person I encountered was the church custodian who wanted to tell about his son who was still hospitalized from a severe accident he had several weeks ago. Of course, I could only listen to him tell his story of the struggles that this accident has caused in his life and family.
I am amazed how my cemetery walks provide opportunities for the ministry of listening.
A woman often visits her parents’ grave. She still grieves deeply the death of her mother a year ago. In fact she has built something of a shrine at the location adding solar lights, a bench, had a tree planted, and sets out fresh flowers frequently.
On this all Saints Eve, I remember the man who visited his wife’s grave everyday. We often spent a few minutes in conversation. Then one day this summer I noticed a grave being dug near his wife’s grave. The grave digger acknowledged that the man had finally gotten his wish to depart this life.
Many of my contacts come when I am walking Boomer, our black and white Newfoundland. We meet other dog walkers. “Everyone knows Boomer,” one woman said. Apparently, merely seeing our miniature “Holstein” gives people a sense of joy.
The Prayer for All Saints Day asks God to “Grant us grace so to follow thy blessed Saints in all virtuous and godly living.”
If you prefer the version from 1549 then pray, “graunt vs grace so to folow thy holy Saynctes in all vertues and godly liuying.”
(Spell check really doesn’t like the 1549 version.)
Whatever the version we use, all Saints Day reminds us that we are saints and we ask God to strengthen so that we live like the saints we are, in Jesus Christ.
Blessing, grace and mercy to all the saints in Jesus Christ.
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