Wednesday, November 1, 2023  

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Today’s Scripture Reading
Revelation 22:6–13

And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true, for the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.” “See, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me; but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your comrades the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God!” And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.” “See, I am coming soon; my reward is with me, to repay according to everyone’s work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” (NRSV)

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Reflection

I can only imagine how John must have felt when an angel appeared to him. He fell down at the angel’s feet — I very well might have run in the opposite direction! Think about the emotions that might have been running through his mind: amazement, overwhelm, and maybe some fear.

While we may not experience this sort of dramatic, divine encounter, we have plenty of saints and angels surrounding us all of the time. Whether it be loved ones who have passed or our living friends, family, and mentors, those saints and angels are looking over us, looking out for us, and showing us the unfailing love and grace that God provides.

This passage also reminds us that God is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, and a constant in our lives. We are all faced with plenty of uncertainties throughout our days, but one thing is certain — God is with us at all times, guiding us with God’s love, grace, and forgiveness (and probably placing those saints and angels into our lives when we need them the most).

As we celebrate this All Saints’ Day, let us remember our saints who have impacted and still continue to mold us into who we are. Let us also do our best to do good deeds, help others, show God’s love, and be the best saints that we can be to everyone that we encounter on a daily basis.

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Prayer
Eternal God, I thank you for the saints and angels with which you bless me. I also thank you for your constant love, grace, and forgiveness. Help me to be faithful to you and to be a saint to all that I encounter each and every day. Amen.

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Written by Briana Belding-Peck, Family Ministry Coordinator

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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