For All The Saints; Give Thanks

St. Paul wrote: "You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us; for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God." 2 Cor 9:11-12

Today is all Saints Day; a much uncelebrated holy day. Most congregations, if they celebrate this holy day at all will put it off until that one hour that they worship the Lord on Sunday.

Today, much of the church on earth remembers all of the saints who have left this world; who are no longer with us. But, it does not hurt to remember and celebrate those saints are still alive in this place. In St. Paul's second letter to the Corinthians he is thanking and blessing the people who have been generous in assisting with the needs of the saints. So, we remember those who through words and deeds have introduced us to our Lord, Jesus the Christ, and all that he has done for us. We remember those who have supplied us richly with the word of God and have helped us to follow in the way which we should go.

Where would the church on earth be if it were not for all of those saints that have gone before us and are still with us? Where would the church be if it had not been for the teachings and the fellowship of those first disciples and of the many that came after them? There would be no church on earth without all of the saints; because, no one would hear the word; no one would know what our Lord has done for us. 

Christ has worked through many to help us on our journey; to bring us closer to God; to help build up our faith by sharing the Word with us. They have and continue to give much for the sake of the Body of Christ. Some have given food and shelter. Some have fed us with the Word of God. Some have given even their whole lives for us. Today and every day, we give thanks to God for those saints who have so generously given of their love and their lives!

Let us give thanks for the generosity and the willingness of others to make Christ known to us and to all of the world.

God's Peace - Pr. J