November 1 is All Saints’ Day. November 2 is All Souls’ Day. The first commemorates all saints, known and unknown, of God. All Souls’ Day is a bit murkier for us Protestants since in the Catholic tradition it is a day for praying for those in purgatory. But we can all agree that in these first days of November, as the church year is coming to an end and as we look forward to Advent, that this is a time to remember those who have gone before us in the service of God.
Today, I remember
- Edwin and Nannie Larkins, my Grandpa and Granny, whose example I still see and follow.
- Betty Truffin, my Nana, whose soup and Christmas tree decorations always put me in mind of the Widow’s Mite.
- Ken Radke, the one person whom I have thought of as “pastor.” His many sheep were honored to call him shepherd. He ran well the race set before him.
- Pete Radke, childhood friend, who joins this list this year after giving of himself with no thought for himself so that another could go on to grow and bear fruit. Like his father, Ken, he ran well.
O God of grace and glory, we remember before you this day our brothers and sisters. We thank you for giving them to us, their friends and family, to know and to love as a companion on our earthly pilgrimage. Give us faith to see in death the gate of eternal life, so that in quiet confidence we may continue our course on earth, until, by your call, we are reunited with those who have gone before; through Jesus Christ our Lord. (BCP)