I’ve attended so many funerals and memorials services I’ve lost count. Both my parents and one of my brothers have died. Too many friends and classmates are no longer with us. Scores of fellow congregational members have passed on. I’ve sung “For All the Saints” at many of those funerals. These days we often sing that hymn on All Saints Day as well. And now, with my life touched by so many deaths, my eyes fill with tears when I sing:
O blest communion, fellowship divine!
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
Yet all are one in thee, for all are thine.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
(Evangelical Lutheran Worship 422)
The hopeful words of the final verses of “For All the Saints” paint a picture of a “far more glorious day” when all the saints – “the countless host” – are gathered, from all around the world, singing praises to our Triune God. Tears of joy come as I anticipate that glorious day!
This message is excerpted from “The ‘fellowship divine’” by Linda Post Bushkofsky in the November 2018 Gather magazine. Today is All Saints Day.
If you enjoy this resource, Donate Now.
reply
retweet
favorite