It is easy to light the world when it’s already been lit, but think about the times those saints before us stepped into darkness, and made everything bright—then and now.
Then, like now, Jesus Christ calls his faithful, his followers and his children, to be saints.
It has been said that 'Children learn what they live.' What are we living for our children to see? What light rests on their shoulders, settles into their hearts?
Jesus Christ said to enter into his kingdom, we would have to have the faith of 'little children.'
Our faith—simple, struggling, solid—or some shifting compilation therein—is what we need today.
Maybe, too, we should add that, reflecting on one verse from the Book of Esther, we are born for times like this. Troubling times. Anxious times. Angry times. Pain. Loss. Fear.
We are to honor the Christian martyrs and followers of the Jewish and Christian faith this Sunday. Abraham and Sarah, Moses, the twelve tribes of Israel, Esther herself, the twelve apostles, Mary, mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene, Paul, Stephen, Timothy...those who lived lives beyond the sacred text.
What they say in whispers we can hear, and it’s this: we can do this, too.
We can light darkness, dispel fear, and face tomorrow with our feet guided by Yahweh our God who did create us for such times as these to be vision agents and activists of mercy, grace, and peace.
Say “Yes,” to what God is calling you to do.
Go, lift, light, inspire, teach touch, commandeer, stay steady, be strong to the shattered, even if you are one in pieces. And in peace until we meet virtually or in person on All Saints Day, amen.