"The dearly departed," "The Saints Triumphant," there are any number of ways of referring to those who have been for us models of the faith, but now now "rest from their labors." They are the "Saints of the Church," and they serve to inspire us; their service builds up the people of God.
On this day, we pick up where their labors left off. On this day, we become the models of prayer. We remember them before God and we pray that their witness will not have been in vain. On this day we give thanks for All the Saints, and we petition God to assure us that they are aware of our love and that they are comforted by our remembrance.
A tradition on All Saints' Sunday is to name those who have left us in the past year. Among those, for me, are my mother-in-law and my campus pastor. Representing the two aspects of my life (home and vocation) their deaths left huge voids. On this day of prayer and remembrance, I will remember all the things they gave me and all that they taught me in the hope that I can draw from these the wisdom to live in this family and to work among God's people.
Remember and give thanks for those who have guided your life of faith. Remember and give thanks for their presence among you and for their role in shaping your own life. Remember and give thanks for All the Saints.
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