SUNDAY (November 1, 2020)
All Saints Sunday
In the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Gospel Sentence
“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” (1 John 3:1)
Reading
“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”” (Revelation 7:9–12)
Meditation
St. John’s poetic language gives way to a heavenly vision. Throngs of people streaming to the throne of Christ. Throngs, not defined by goodness, nor segregated by race, tribe, social level or income. Throngs with one thing in common—sinners all, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. Prostitutes, murderers, thieves mingle with gossips, liars, self-righteous types. All pretense of self-achievement has been stripped away, only the Love of God remains.
Silence
Prayer for Holy Cross Member
Let your grace be upon Todd, O Lord, and teach him to hope in the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for All Saints’ Day
Almighty and everlasting God, You knit together Your faithful people of all times and places into one holy communion, the mystical body of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Grant us so to follow Your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living that, together with them, we may come to the unspeakable joys You have prepared for those who love You; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Lord’s Prayer