ALL SAINTS SUNDAY -- 06 NOVEMBER 2005

ST PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH, ABQ NM – THE REV. P.L. HOLMAN

Revelation 7:9-17; Psalm 34:1-10,22; I John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12

“Rejoice and Be Glad!”

Blessings, according to Miriam-Webster’s definition, are generally words of approval or encouragement.  Encouragement, yes, like blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you, blessed are the peacemakers, blessed are those who hunger, blessed are those who mourn – blessed, indeed; encouraged, indeed, for hunger and war and persecution and even death itself do not have the last word.  Jesus does, and that word is LIFE.  Rejoice, and be glad. 

This day we are invited to remember the saints who have gone before us, those set apart to do the Lord’s work in this world for the time they were given, who now rest in God.  I imagine we could spend several hours just remembering folks who have made a difference in our lives, who have been blessings to us or to our ancestors along the way.  In all likelihood a few tears would be shed as those memories are shared.  But these are tears of hope -- as the apostle Paul reminded the Thessalonians who were concerned about the timing of Christ’s return, we grieve, yes, but not as those who have no hope.  Because of Christ all our grieving is embraced in hope for a future beyond the loss, whatever the loss.

The writer of Revelation reminds us of this hope using the image of a fiery ordeal.  Who are these, robed in white (behold a host arrayed in white, the old hymn sings)?  They are the saints in light whose robes have been washed in the blood of the Lamb.  They knew suffering and struggled – God alone knows all the details.  But we know the promise that for them has come true: Their healing is complete; God has wiped away every tear; they dwell forever at the springs of the water of life.  And the promise carries us on.

Walter R. Bouman, retired seminary professor and lifelong friend of the church, died this past August.  I first met Dr. Bouman in the summer of 1979 at Holden Village, Chelan WA; he was the theologian in residence for the week, and he taught us about Baptism.  In the latest issue of THE LUTHERAN magazine Dr. Bouman offers his final words on life, dictated just weeks before he died.  They are a rare glimpse into a dying man’s vision, they are affirming words about living washed in Christ. 

• When his grandchildren asked him about heaven, Bouman (a fan of classical music) suggested it would have “great music, without station breaks.”  “But you like Bach and Beethoven, [Grandpa].  What if someone likes Led Zeppelin?” Bouman replied, “Then they get a soundproof room.”
• During the final days of his hospital stay he was moved to a private room.  Surprised by all the laughter and peaceful conversation in the room the oncology nurse asked, “What’s going on?”  Dr. Bouman replied, “I believe that Jesus, and not death, will have the last word.”  He then proceeded to teach a little “Theology 101” to the nurse, part of which was this: “The gospel is good news.  It’s the announcement that something good and absolutely decisive for the universe has happened.  The Christian good news is simply: Jesus is risen!”
• Indeed, Jesus is risen, and we are free to live to in grateful response to that good news.  Free to love the church, Bouman reminds us, in all its brokenness; free to be so grasped by Christ that we can put up with each other; free to love the world.  After nearly 80 years of living embraced by that baptismal covenant, Bouman said he was entering into the final baptism, his beginning’s end, “the final dying with Jesus to await with curiosity the promise that God will be everything in everyone…I look forward to the surprises that Jesus has in store.”  Death does not have the last word – Jesus does, and that word is a word of Life.  [THE LUTHERAN, November 2005, pp.22-25]

This is a day of blessings, to remember those who have witnessed and encouraged us in the past, to remember the draw strength for daily living from the promises of God for the future, and to celebrate with Lauren, David and Mary Beth their decision to step forward in faith to join us as we carry on in the tradition of all the saints, striving to be the church – the body of Christ – here and now. 

In a few moments they will step forward and make promises to live in the covenant of their baptism by serving the church and the world following the example of Jesus, by following the way of Jesus.  For two years they’ve been studying, memorizing (well, a little bit anyway), worshiping and reflecting with adults and fellow students on the meaning of the Church’s teachings and the words of scripture for their daily lives.  In faith statements presented to the congregation council last month, they shared a few insights. 

• Mary Beth writes: “I have always believed that God is here to guide me to the good and keep me from the wrong.  Maybe physically or spiritually but there somehow keeping me safe…always the one who will listen…the energy inside me that pushes me through every day…the road to show me the right direction…the safety net to make sure I don’t fall too far.”  “Since I’ve been going to this church for thirteen years I have learned the hymns, the creeds…and the prayers.  I’ve learned that [the church is] a place to be that is welcoming, accepting, and peaceful.”  “Taking first Communion when I was younger didn’t make that much sense to me but now Communion is a very important deal in my eyes.”
• Lauren also connected with the Eucharist, reflecting that when she sees everyone gathered around the table it is like a reminder of God’s never-ending love for us.  “We are saved not by the things we do, but by the grace of God…I am truly grateful for God’s huge sacrifice [on the cross] and often reflect back to it when I am forced to make difficult decisions.”  In a one paragraph summary of her faith, Lauren reflected: “My faith surrounds me in all aspects of my life.  It helps me make decisions, guides me through good times and bad, and makes me think twice about what I do or say.  It is comforting to know that I will always have God by my side when things get rough.”   Dr. Bouman’s dying words certainly attest to the power of that promise!
• David’s reflection on Salvation reflects the dynamic of faith in action: “[H]umans are natural sinners and without reconciliation, [without God’s forgiveness] we could not be saved.  The main reason we are saved is because Jesus died on the cross so we could pray, forgive, help, and live eternally.”  “I go to church to have some time dedicated to God and prayer.”  The life of faithfulness David describes also includes the response of works like prayers, “serving in the local soup kitchen or visiting elderly people.”

Living faithfully is never easy.  We need each other, and we need God to guide us all.  It is grace that saves us, not any work of our own.  Remember, the question is not, “What can I do to be saved?” Rather, “Now that I’m saved, what can I do?”  Writer and priest Andrew Greeley tells the story of a nun who was rewarded by God for her long life of faithfulness – God would grant her one wish.  Not one to be easily tricked the nun informed the angel God sent to grant the wish that she wanted just a little glimpse of heaven, but in order to appreciate the beauty of it she also needed a little glimpse of Hell.  Her wish was granted.  In Hell she saw a beautiful banquet table, complete with every wonderful entrée and served in a fashion that would make Martha Stewart’s efforts look boring.  But despite the grandeur no one was eating and everyone was wailing.  “They have no elbows,” the angel said, “so they can only look at the feast and wail in agony.”  Off to heaven then, where the scene was identical EXCEPT the people were rejoicing and the sounds delightful.  “These have no elbows either, but they find joy in serving one another.”  The nun returned to her work at the Abbey with a new vision for living – now at each meal instead of sitting in her place of honor she first moves around the tables serving others, bringing a little glimpse of heaven right here on earth.”

Blessed are you, Mary and Lauren and David, for saying YES to your Baptism today and promising to serve faithfully under the mantle of Christ’s love.  Blessed are all who choose to serve -- you’re helping to bring God’s kingdom to earth!

Along with you on this journey we rejoice, and declare, “Thanks be to God!”