For All the Saints

As All Saints Day approaches, I offer this prayer by Walter Brueggemann from his book: Prayers for a Privileged People.

At Table… Flooded with Memories

“Each time we come to your table, we sound the familiar memory, ‘prophets and apostles, saints and martyrs,’ all of us gather: prophets we know, who can muster righteous indignation, apostles we know, who do not mind being sent, even saints, we confess their ‘communion’ of the living and the dead.

And then martyrs – and our throats tighten a little – old martyrs before lions, recent martyrs before death squads and covert government actions.

Martyrs – truth tellers – witnesses in dangerous places where truth is at risk before princes and powers and corporate wealth, telling your truth of goodness, of mercy, of peace and justice, of compassion and forgiveness.

So we gather to be truth-tellers, timid, bewildered, reluctant, half ready, half asking, ‘What is truth?’

We ourselves stand alongside Jesus, who is the truth and the way and the life. We ourselves give witness as we can, not doubting, but fearful, nonetheless sent.”

I am reminded on All Saints Day that I stand on the shoulders of those disciples who fought the good fight, giving their time, talent, and treasure to provide an inheritance of faith. Your Foundation manages over 130 million dollars. Nearly all of these funds were given through a bequest. It is appropriate to recognize those who have endowed our churches on All Saints Day. Honoring these gifts sets them apart, indeed, consecrating them, shining a light on both the gift and the Saint who made the bequest.

Our Saints provide an example for us to follow. Some for their leadership in standing up for justice, others for their generosity. All Saints Day is special because it places us in the continuum of time. Sitting in the sanctuary, I realize that I am the connection to the past and the future. I am grateful for endowed funds that were given years ago and that are providing resources for today’s ministries. There is peace of mind knowing that my future bequest will enhance tomorrow’s ministries.