It’s okay to be MEEK

All Saint's Day

Greeting and Scripture Reading

"Grace, mercy, and peace be unto you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus who is the Christ. Amen."

The words that serve as the basis of meditation are written by the Apostle and Evangelist St. Matthew:

"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."

From Red to White: Reformation Day to All Saints Day

There is a wonderful dichotomy between Reformation Day (October 31st) and All Saints Day (November 1st). October 31st is clad in red—the color of battle, blood, and the martyrs who sacrificed everything so the Gospel would be preached, regardless of who opposed it or what sword met their neck. In contrast, November 1st (All Saints Day) turns from red to white, signaling victory, triumph, and heavenly rest in the presence of the living God and the Lamb.

While we mourn loved ones who are no longer sitting next to us in the pew, God does not keep the church militant (on earth) and the church triumphant (in heaven) separated. He brings them together around His Word, His throne, and His gifts.

The Beatitudes and the Rescuer God

Human nature resists the Beatitudes: people do not want to be poor, to weep, to be meek, or to suffer persecution. However, God is a rescuer God whose chief characteristic is mercy and compassion.

Jesus entered into human poverty, grief, and suffering alongside us:

He became poor to give us an everlasting kingdom that moth and rust cannot destroy.

He wept and mourned so that we would find comfort in knowing He truly understands our deepest pain.

He became meek and humbled Himself unto death, naked and bleeding, so He could call us to be exalted with Him.

He hungered and thirsted on the cross for our rescue.

Forgiveness, Baptism, and the Sound of Victory

From the cross, Jesus offered forgiveness even to those who crucified Him ("Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do") so that believers receive mercy rather than what they deserve. Through water and the Word in baptism, believers receive all the rights and privileges of being children of God.

Even amidst earthly trials, grief, and spiritual warfare, believers hear the "tune of distant triumph". We do not fight like the rest of the world as those who are defeated; we fight knowing that the victory is already won through Christ's death and resurrection.

Hope in the Resurrection

Because Jesus lives, our departed loved ones who died in the faith live as well. Their robes are washed white in the blood of the Lamb, they see Him face-to-face, and they rest satisfied in His presence.

God does not have two churches; He has one unified Church, one Bride, and one royal priesthood. Joined to Christ, death is no longer a final defeat, but merely a gateway to eternal life.

"Christ has won the victory. Amen.

The peace that surpasses all understanding guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus unto life everlasting. Amen."