ALL SAINTS' DAY

AN ALL SAINTS' DAY BLESSING
November 1st on the Church’s calendar is a sacred day. It is a day set aside to honor the memories of those who have died and who we believe now reside in the everlasting arms of God.

All Saints’ Day as it is known invites us to reflect on the lives of those we loved and now lost – some due to COVID-19. Some of these reflections can be painful for they evoke emotions of regret, guilt or unresolved matters of the heart.  

Though All Saints’ may bring tears. We look forward to the day when God will wipe away all tears; in John’s gospel, Jesus weeps along with Mary and all the gathered mourners before he demonstrates his power over death.

On All Saints Day we celebrate the victory won for all the faithful dead, but we grieve for our beloved dead as well, knowing that God honors our tears. We bring our grief to the table and find there a foretaste of the feast to come with all faithful departed.

Pray with me: Almighty God, you have knit your people together in one communion in the mystical body of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Grant us grace to follow your blessed saints in lives of faith and commitment, and to know the inexpressible joys you have prepared for those who love you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

The Rev. Romeo K. Dabee
JFK Airport Community Minister/Chaplain