FOR ALL THE SAINTS

A meditation by the Rev. Dr. James G. Kirk

Harundale Presbyterian Church

Glen Burnie, Maryland

November 7, 2004

Text: “Your love toward all the saints.” (Ephesians 1:15)

First Reading: Luke 6:20-31

Second Reading: Ephesians 1:11-23

Ever since I started my ministry forty years ago I have made it a practice to write the families of those departed on the anniversary of the deceased’s death. I started doing it as one of those serendipitous moments of insight that come to us every now and then, which is another way of saying that it was probably at the urging of the Holy Spirit. If a spouse died then I write to the surviving husband or wife. If it was a parent then I write to one of the children. The message is a very simple one. I tell them that they’re in my prayers and thoughts at this time and pray that God will continue to bless them with grace, mercy, and strength sufficient for each day as they continue to rest in the assurance of resurrection to eternal life through the resurrected Christ. It’s amazing the cards and letter that I’ve received through the years telling me how much people appreciate being remembered and their loved one being remembered on that day.

It’s similar to what Paul writes to the Ephesians church. He tells them how he’s heard of their faith in the Lord and of their love toward all the saints and he gives thanks for them as he remembers them in his prayers. More specifically his prayer is that they may receive a spirit of wisdom and revelation so that they may continue to know what is the hope to which God in Christ has called them, what are the riches of God’s glorious inheritance and what is the immeasurable greatness of God’s power for those who continue to believe according to the working of Christ’s power. In other words, Paul reaffirms for them how they now live in the assurance of resurrection to eternal life through the resurrected Christ.

It’s also similar to what we do once a year on this celebration of All Saints Day. We take a moment to remember those who’ve entered into glory during the past year and, indeed, all those who’ve died in our families and we commend them again to the care and keeping of Almighty God. It’s a powerful moment as you come forward and take a carnation, for all the memories of your loved ones come vividly back to life, what they meant to you, what they taught you, how they loved you and what legacies they left you. It’s a time for tears and smiles. It’s a time for thanksgiving and mourning. It’s a time for the celebration and the fragility of life. It’s a time for commitment and compassion. It’s a time when as we look about us we realize that death and life are both lasting legacies of a loving God who watches over us on both sides of the cross.

And so today we remember Pat McGregor and how she loved to show you her garden. She was very proud of the tomatoes that Mac had planted and the corn that grew so tall. She would point out her flower garden and tell you which were her favorites. There were always two or more chairs discretely placed so one could sit and enjoy the many plantings.

We remember Grace Shofstal and how proud she was of her years of teaching and of her son who today continues to serve as a pilot on the Chesapeake Bay. Grace would tell you how active she’d been in the Lake Shore Rotary Club and their many activities. You always came away from a visit with Grace with the firm conviction that you had been in company with a very gracious lady.

We remember Janet Sharp who was convinced that she and I were related, probably third or forth cousins. Like Grace, Janet, too, was very proud of her years of teaching, particularly at Meade High School. When she volunteered with our crew at the free lunch program she boasted that she could handle the roughest of our clients because of the time she’d spent teaching at Meade. With Janet you always knew where you stood and she was always truthful in a very loving and caring way.

We remember Jim Goodwin. What a wonderful service we had for Jim as we celebrated so many of his qualities and gifts. Jim was a pioneer in many ways, opening the doors for African Americans who would come after him and a visit to his house would never be complete until he’d invited you into his work-room. I have in my office a carriage clock that he’d made and was proud to give me.

We remember Florence Brown. Florence taught music at all levels of the Anne Arundel School system, from elementary to middle and on to high school. One always knew that Christmas was near, as Florence would play all the old Christmas carols on the piano in the lounge as the ladies decorated the Christmas tree. When Florence was confined to the nursing home she continued her legacy of playing as she entertained the guests during lunch and at other times.

We remember Peg Wingard. Peg had a wonderful sense of humor, even on those days when she didn’t feel well. You always came away from a visit with Peg with a smile on your face and a blessing in your heart. Peg gave her son-in-law Jim the ultimate compliment when she told him that she loved him as though she had borne him herself. We shall gather next Sunday here in the sanctuary to celebrate her life and commend her to God’s everlasting care.

I always conclude the funeral service with the poem Safely Home. It’s an anonymous poem that Elizabeth got in the mail as thanks for a contribution she made to some monastery. I am home in heaven dear ones, oh so happy and so bright. There is perfect joy and beauty in this everlasting light. All the pain and grief is over, every restless tossing past. I am now at peace forever, safely home in heaven at last. Did you wonder I so quietly trod the valley of the shade, oh but Jesus’ love illumined every dark and fearful glade. And he came himself to meet me in that way so hard to tread. And with Jesus’ arm to lean on could I have one doubt or dread? Then you must not grieve so sorely, for I love you dearly still. Try to look beyond earth’s shadows, pray to trust our Father’s will. There is work still waiting for you, so you must not idly stand. Do it now while life remaineth, you shall rest in Jesus’ land. And when that work is all completed he will gently call you home. Oh the rapture of that meeting; oh the joy to see you come!

Thanks be to God,

Amen