In our All Saints gospel story, we see Jesus facing a crowd of his followers. All saints and sinners. Some of them were true disciples, some had come to be healed of diseases and infirmities, some I would bet just came for the novelty of seeing this new rabbi/faith healer in action. They were a mixed bag of people from different locations and income levels. They wanted Jesus to touch them so they could feel the healing power which came out of him. I can almost imagine Jesus laying hands on the sick, praying for each one, and then calling, “Next!” Finally, no one else came forward. So, Jesus looked at this whole, rag-tag, assorted group—this whole gang of peasants and working stiffs—and he told them they were blessed. I’ll bet they never heard anyone tell them that before.
This week I have been visiting long time good friends in Nashua, New Hampshire. Tim is a retired geriatric doctor who trained me at Monroe Community Hospital in 1980. We become good friends and he was my best man at my wedding. He is now battling bladder cancer and for awhile in remission. However, recent tests confirm cancer cells are present and he needs to resume treatment. I blessed him with the Mother Cabrini sacred healing waters from her shrine in Golden, Colorado. He hugged and thanked me knowing that the next six weeks of treatments would be difficult but hopeful that the healing prayers would remove all the cancer.
Jeus gave us all a little crash course in discipleship: Love your enemies. Forgive them, pray for them, and be compassionate. Avoid violence. Be generous and do to others as you’d want them to do to you.
Simple, right?
When we light the candles on this holy festival in memory of the saints, we remember with gratitude the way they tried to live out Jesus’ instructions. Maybe some were more successful in that endeavor than others, but all of them have been forgiven by God and welcomed into the eternal home. We see their best side, not their worst, and pray others may remember the things of Christ they saw in us when our time has run out.
Lord, I pray for all my Sonsjhine Friends for You are the strength of those who labor; you are the rest of the blessed dead. We rejoice in the company of your saints. We remember all who have lived in faith, and all who have died, and especially those most dear to us who rest in you.
