The Community of Saints (2 November)

What a joyous occasion to have Bishop Alison with us to celebrate All Saints Patronal Festival with Confirmation. This event holds a mirror for all of us that we might individually reflect on our status in the Community of Saints. I find it quite challenging to consider myself in that company! While we might think of Saints as those who have done miraculous deeds, the accurate definition is those who are consecrated and set aside by God for God. Those who reflect the light of Christ. You might immediately see the link to and the echo of Baptism. This Sunday is a time for us to renew our vigour as we hear the words of the Confirmation liturgy. We are thoroughly blessed by our participation in this ancient rite.

It is also a blessing for us to worship as one community, and identity is a theme I will explore in my sermon. God calls us and we respond with worship from a place deep within. When we connect together, it is the Spirit that joins us through ‘groanings too deep for words’. In this manner we become part of the Community of Saints.

We pray for the confirmation candidates as they continue their journey into God. We rejoice in their youth and their commitment to grow in the faith.

With love and blessings,

Linda