Not every denomination, still less every church or Christian, celebrates All Saint’s Day. For some it smacks too much of a rigid and formal church calendar; for others, the idea of revering people as saints is close to anathema. But the essential message of the day is surely an important one that we can all share in, in that it calls us to remember those who, by their faith and example, have set us an example to follow, and who offer us inspiration on our own path of discipleship. The following, taken from my book Daily Prayer 2, explores that message further.
A rare breed
Read
Dear friends, imitate my example and, in turn, learn from those who follow the pattern we have given. Philippians 3:17
Ponder
They lined the marshes, a great throng of birdwatchers, peering through binoculars and telescopes, or painstakingly adjusting their gigantic zoom lenses in the hope of catching that definitive close-up shot. Each looked out to sea eagerly, expectantly, the air of excitement almost palpable, and yet more people were regularly arriving to swell their ranks. What was it all about? A rare species of gull had been spotted there earlier in the week, presumably blown off course by winter storms. There was nothing particularly special about it, certainly nothing dramatic, yet these twitchers were in seventh heaven, delighted to have the opportunity to tick yet another bird off their list of unusual sightings.
We might not get worked up ourselves by a brief glimpse of an uncommon bird, but the Apostle Paul points us towards rarities of another sort that we should get excited about. He was referring, of course, to those special people who set an example to follow; specifically those like himself who provide others with a model of faith, exemplifying Christian commitment. In the early Church there were many to choose from, numerous believers who sacrificed their all for the cause of Christ. Others have joined them across the years, surrendering prospects, possessions, livelihoods, even life itself for the sake of the gospel. Others again have offered an example of a different sort, displaying a depth of wisdom, love and compassion that has brought inspiration to others and encouraged them in their own journey of discipleship. Today is a day for remembering those special people, the recognised and unrecognised saints of God. It is a day for learning from them, and a day also for seeking to emulate their lives so that we likewise, in some small way, may set an example ourselves.
Ask yourself
Who has most inspired you in your journey of faith? What was it about them that set them apart as an example to follow? Have you made any of their qualities your own?
Pray
Almighty God, thank you for all those who have run the race before me, who have kept the faith whatever has been asked of them, however costly the sacrifice involved. Thank you for their courage and commitment, their willingness to follow the way of Christ in giving their all. Thank you for those whose lives have shone out as a beacon of light, the breadth of their insight, the sincerity of their love, the quality of their character and the extent of their goodness unmistakable to all. And thank you for those who have
inspired me personally, helping to fire and strengthen my faith, to guide, nurture, teach and encourage. Help me to learn from their example so that I may grow each day a little closer to the fullness of Christ and perhaps, somehow, inspire others in turn. Amen.
Remember
Set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12b
Close
Teach me, Lord, to follow in the footsteps of your saints, and so to follow also in yours, to my journey’s end. Amen.