Yesterday we celebrated All Saints' Day at Hope. Hope tends to do this service big - only Easter and Christmas are bigger. Just before the 8 o'clock service, I was standing in the Narthex at the entrance to the nave greeting people as they came in. At one point, there was a "rush" of some of our members who are closer to sainthood than most - slowly pushing their walkers or being pushed in a wheelchair. With choir rehearsing in the background I was suddenly struck with this insight: this is the Pastoral office - greeting the saints God has appointed since before time - welcoming them into the kingdom of God with the words of Jesus such as what we heard that day, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God." My task is to proclaim to them that they are saints because of their savior Jesus who welcomes them into the kingdom by his Word.
As I watched those who have many physical tribulations right now, the words from Revelation came to me as well: "These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." One great day, these and all the saints of God, a great multitude, from every nation and tribe and people and language will be standing before the throne and before the Lamb without their walkers and their wheelchairs, clothed in white robes with palm branches in their hands worshiping the God who has created them, redeemed them from their sin, and made them his holy people.
For now, greeting them with a smile in the narthex will do.
Beautiful, Jon! Thank you. The longer I have been in this particular parish, I remember those I have buried, and then realize that I will still bury some more. But I also remember those whom I have welcomed into the Church through baptism, and thank God that I am able to be present at such holy times with such holy people.
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