Tuesday, November 1, 2022  

Today’s Scripture Reading
Ephesians 1:11–23

In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory.

I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. (NRSV)

Reflection

At Fourth Presbyterian Church, as at many other churches, there is a tradition of observing All Saints’ Day by reading the names of those whom we lost throughout the year and tolling a bell after each name is read. I have always found this to be a meaningful and emotional tribute to those saints that have passed. I read once in a book about bells that throughout history people have believed that bells have a very powerful and spiritual nature to them (I completely agree), and that is one of the reasons this tradition came to be.

I also like to take time on All Saints’ Day to celebrate the living saints in our lives. Throughout my life, I have been blessed with many wonderful saints, from kids to teachers to mentors, pastors, good friends, and people who wouldn’t give up on me when I wanted very much to give up on something. One of my most valued mentors tells the story that I came tearfully into her office my sophomore year of college, saying that I was going to quit my music education degree and do something easier. With her guidance, I stuck with it, and teaching (both music and at church) have been some of my most rewarding experiences in life. I could not have done it without that saint!

We are so blessed in our church community to have amazing saints-people to help us grow in our spirituality, show us God’s love in our everyday life, and to work together with us all as the body of Christ. I am forever grateful!

Prayer

Gracious and loving God, thank you for the saints that you have put in my life. Help me to feel your love through them and learn from them, and teach me to be the best saint that I can be. Amen.

Written by Briana Belding-Peck, Family Ministry Coordinator

Reflection and prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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