Saints

 

Saint Paul, Saint Peter, Saint John, Saint Andrew – the list of saints goes on and on.  When we reflect on saints, we tend to think of these saints that evoke Bible stories of greatness.  Last week, we celebrated All Saints Day in church.  It is one of my most favorite moments.  We did not list the saints that are traditionally known; we named the saints that are closest to us.  Pastor read the names of those family members who have gone before us, as saints.  We exchanged a Bible verse between Pastor and the congregation, names were read, and the bell tolled for each group.  This exchange was conducted until all the names were read.  When my dad’s name was read, along with the names of my in-laws whom I never met, emotions flooded.   They are such true saints.

The family saints I mentioned may not have been as famous as Paul, Peter, John, and Andrew, yet they are saints none-the-nonetheless.  My husband has shared many memories with me of his mom working hard for their local parish and his dad opening the Bible and reading it.  My dad also brings back many memories.  My dad loved his Lord, and he was not shy about it.  He worked hard for the church, from ensuring the grounds were kept neat, to cooking on special occasions for the church and the local food pantry.  He took the talents God gave him and ensured they were used for the good of God’s kingdom.  He prayed often.  When Daddy went to church, he revered being in the house of the Lord. 

I am certain that all of us can remember those who have touched our lives in their walk of faith.  Maybe it was a parent, a family member, a pastor, or church member.  These people lived out their faith, by the way they spoke, the way the shared God’s word, and the way they lived their lives.  I have awesome news for all of us.  We are all saints!  The Bible shares in Psalms 31:23” Oh, love the LORD, all you, His saints! For the LORD preserves the faithful, and fully repays the proud person.”   ALL of us are God’s saints and have the same gifts that God gave to us to share with others, just as the saints that went before us.

Reflect for a few moments.  We may not consider ourselves to be saints, but God does!  Have you opened a children’s Bible to read to small ones?  Have you conducted a Bible Study?  Have you prayed for others?  Have you glorified Jesus’ name?  Dear saints in Christ, we are all preserving the faith we have in God, and as the verse above shared, the Lord repays the proud person who is proud in his name.  Live your faith boldly.  You do not need to prophesy from the highest mountains to a multitude of people.  Your simple acts of faith give you sainthood in God’s eyes – and in mine!  Let us raise our Bibles rejoicing the status GOD gives us as saints.

Dearest Lord, thank you for reminding us in your Word that we are all saints in your eyes.  May our daily lives of simple living let the world know how much we love you and know you are our savior.  Amen!