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The Paradox of God’sKingdom: LiftingUptheWeak and AwakeningtheRich

Today’s passage shows Jesus coming down from the mountain and proclaiming the paradox of God’s kingdom to a large crowd in Luke 6. People came not only from Judea and Jerusalem but also from the Gentile regions of Tyre and Sidon. They wanted to hear Jesus’ words and be healed of their diseases and freed from evil spirits.

In the Gospel of Matthew, we read the well-known “Sermon on the Mount,” but in Luke, Jesus comes down from the mountain to meet people on a “level place.” He did this to be closer to them and to communicate more directly. This is connected to Luke’s emphasis on the values of God’s kingdom. Jesus’ sermon on the plain is not just about the physical location. It symbolizes the meaning and direction of His ministry. The Gospel of Luke highlights Jesus’ concern for the poor and the marginalized. It shows how Jesus comes down to be among those who suffer and are oppressed.

Sometimes, we also feel blocked by huge walls of problems in life. We may even struggle to reach out to God. But we must remember that Jesus does not stand far above us and simply look down. Instead, He is always with us in the midst of our everyday lives.

 

Jesus gives two declarations to the crowd on the plain. First, He says, “Blessed are you who are poor, who are hungry, who weep, and who are hated because of Jesus.” Second, He warns, “Woe to you who are rich, who are well fed, who laugh now, and who are praised by everyone.”

Usually, we think that the poor, the hungry, and those who weep seem unhappy, and that the wealthy, the well-fed, and those who are always cheerful seem blessed. But Jesus says the opposite.

Why does Jesus give such a “paradoxical” teaching? It shows that God especially cares for the weak and the suffering, while those who have more are called to share and take greater responsibility. We often consider happiness to be a stable or improved situation in our own lives. However, Jesus teaches that true happiness is fulfilled when we live by the values of God’s kingdom.

The paradox of God’s kingdom is not just about flipping our usual standards of happiness and unhappiness. It shows that the world’s values and God’s values are fundamentally different.

To understand this teaching more deeply, we need to consider the social structure of first-century Jewish society. Back then, the rich often exploited the poor, and those in power sometimes used religious authority to bind the weak. The wealthy had the resources to study and keep the Law in detail, but the poor struggled daily just to survive. They had little chance to learn the Law properly and were often labeled “sinners” because they could not keep every rule. This unfair system caused them ongoing suffering.

Knowing this context helps us see why Jesus proclaimed, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” He came first to the oppressed and marginalized. He comforted them by saying they are the most precious in God’s kingdom. Meanwhile, to those who already enjoyed wealth and power, He strongly warned that if they only seek comfort without sharing or serving, they have already received their consolation in full.

 

Jesus tells the poor, “You are blessed. The kingdom of God belongs to you.” Here, poverty does not refer only to lacking money. It includes any situation of social helplessness, injustice, or being treated as an outcast. Jesus reaches out to those people first and gives them the gift of God’s kingdom.

We may also face economic hardships, illness, or loneliness. Yet these trials do not distance us from God. On the contrary, God comes into our suffering, wipes away our tears, and gives us strength to rise again.

 

On the other hand, Jesus says, “Woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.” Being wealthy is not a sin in itself. But if we use our wealth only for our own comfort or power, it becomes a problem. God expects greater responsibility from those who have more. Our money, talents, and power are not meant to serve only ourselves. They are gifts entrusted to us so that we may share them with our neighbors.

Ever since I was young, I have learned that hard work and perseverance lead to good results. There is a saying that shows this well:

“A fine horse runs 300 miles in one day, but even an ordinary horse can travel 300 miles in ten days.”

These words come from Xunzi (荀子), a Confucian thinker in ancient China who was influenced by Confucius. I have gained a lot of encouragement from his teaching about “steady effort.” I still find it to be an excellent lesson.

But in our modern world, we often run fast without thinking about where we are going. Maybe we also need to consider direction. If we work hard but move in the wrong direction, our effort could be wasted. If Xunzi stressed patience and consistent effort, we can add one more question: “Effort toward what goal?”

How hard we work is not as important as where we are going. We may pursue our goals without checking our direction and later discover we are far from what we truly want. Working diligently is good, but it is even more important to know our destination.

 True wisdom comes from both perseverance and discernment. We need to see if our efforts fit a larger purpose and lead us to the place we are truly called to be.

In Luke’s Gospel, we see the story of Zacchaeus, who had built his fortune dishonestly. But after encountering Jesus, he repented and generously shared his wealth with the poor. He chose a new path. This shows that Jesus’ warning is not simply a threat or punishment; it is an invitation to repentance and an opportunity to change.

 

In this passage, Jesus does more than just preach. He heals people who are sick or tormented by evil spirits. The kingdom of God is not just an idea or a doctrine. It is a real event that changes lives. This calls us to think about the role of the church today.

If the church truly wants to share the “good news,” it must hold the hands of people who are in trouble and meet their practical needs. That could mean praying for neighbors in crisis, offering them real help, or working for a society where the vulnerable can live with dignity. Jesus’ healing ministry shows that God’s kingdom is about raising up the oppressed and helping everyone live freely and equally.

 

Jesus comes down from the mountain with His disciples and says to the poor, the hungry, and those who weep, “You are blessed,” while warning those who enjoy wealth and comfort, “Be careful.” He is not merely dividing people into rich and poor. He is asking us to think about what we value most. It may sound paradoxical by worldly standards, but from the perspective of God’s kingdom, it is the natural truth.

Jesus focuses not on possessions themselves but on our attitude toward them. Happiness is not about how much or how little we own. It is the joy that comes from living by the values of God’s kingdom.

Whether we have a lot or a little, what truly matters is how we live in God’s love. In the first-century Jewish world and in our own time, people who are poor and powerless are often pushed aside or ignored. But Jesus draws near to them first, declaring that no one is excluded in God’s kingdom.

At the same time, He calls those who have plenty to discover the joy of sharing and serving. The issue is not having wealth but how we use it. When we share the blessings we have received and live for others, we show the true values of God’s kingdom.

As we hold these words in our hearts and leave the church today, let us ask ourselves, “For whom do I truly live?” Have we been so focused on success or satisfaction that we have become indifferent to anyone outside our family or close circle? Those who live in abundance can find greater joy through sharing, and those who struggle can find hope by leaning on one another. Walking together in this way is the path of true happiness that Jesus shows us.

May the core message of today’s Scripture come alive in each of you, and may you share its grace with many people.

Amen.

“The Spirit of Jubilee: Living in Freedom and Restoration”

In Luke chapter 4, we find Jesus in His hometown of Nazareth, where He first tells the neighbors who watched Him grow up about His mission in Galilee. After reading from the prophet Isaiah, Jesus concludes in verse 21 by declaring, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21).

This scene is not simply a past event. As we read the Bible, we realize that God’s Word does not remain in the past but continues to speak into our present lives. Some may think this passage is only for people who are materially or socially poor and oppressed. However, “poverty” or “oppression” can also describe spiritual emptiness or the heavy burdens we carry in our hearts. Therefore, Jesus’ declaration shines a bright light on our daily lives, helping us experience God’s work of liberation and care even now.

When Jesus says in verse 21, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing,” He is not just referring to a date on the calendar or a single moment in time. The word “today” here means that God’s saving work is happening right now, in our very lives. From the time of the Old Testament, God had promised salvation; now, through Jesus, that promise has entered our world. Though future restoration is not yet complete, the work of salvation has already begun in Jesus and continues even now.

Jesus’ use of “today” reminds us that we can experience God’s salvation and guidance at this very moment. It is not only something that awaits us in the distant future. If we believe in and follow Jesus, God is at work in our everyday lives—each and every day. We often hear the phrase “already and not yet” to describe salvation: it has “already” begun with Jesus, but it is “not yet” fully realized. Jesus’ “today” assures us that God’s saving power is not locked away in the future. For those who are weary, hurt by broken relationships, or uncertain of their own worth, Jesus’ words bring God’s healing presence now, offering comfort and hope.

 

In today’s passage, Jesus declares, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me” (Luke 4:18). The Holy Spirit is the driving force that initiates Jesus’ ministry and reveals its direction. By quoting from Isaiah 61, Jesus shows that His calling is “to bring good news to the poor,” and “to proclaim release to the captives” (Luke 4:18).

Receiving the Holy Spirit is not just about having supernatural power. It is about having God’s heart and viewpoint so that our eyes, ears, and hearts become sensitive to the pain and oppression around us. Notice that the first major theme Jesus proclaims publicly is “release” and “freedom.” This shows that the Holy Spirit brings not only inner growth for individuals but also real changes in our social structures and relationships. In other words, God works through us to bring justice and care for those in need.

 

To understand why Jesus’ message of liberation was so radical, we need to look at the history and politics of His day. Judea was under Roman occupation, and heavy taxes caused great suffering for the common people. Tax collectors worked closely with Roman officials, making matters worse and creating widespread poverty and unrest.

Many religious leaders did little to address these hardships. Rather than easing the people’s burden, they focused on keeping the minutiae of the Law and protecting their own power. Therefore, when Jesus proclaimed “good news to the poor,” He was not offering mere words of comfort. Instead, He gave genuine hope to people who were oppressed by unjust systems. By showing God’s compassion and power, Jesus brought healing to their wounds, helped them understand the reality of their situation, and strengthened them to walk a new path in the light of God’s kingdom.

 

The passage from Isaiah 61 that Jesus reads embodies the spirit of Jubilee. In the Old Testament, Jubilee took place every fifty years. Land was returned to its original owners, debts were canceled, and slaves were set free. This was more than an economic reset. It was a sacred time for the entire community to restore broken relationships—between God, people, and neighbors (see Leviticus 25).

When Jesus proclaims freedom in Luke 4, He is declaring the ultimate fulfillment of that Jubilee spirit. Through Jesus, “today” our souls and our everyday lives can be freed. But this freedom does not stop at our personal transformation. It also opens the possibility for restoring broken relationships and changing unfair structures. Spiritual freedom, therefore, carries a call to transform our real-world circumstances. This broader vision of liberation encompasses our guilt, fears, and even deep-rooted social and economic problems.

 

When Jesus spoke these words in the synagogue in Nazareth, at first the listeners reacted positively. But as they realized His true mission did not match their own expectations of a Messiah, they began to resist. They said, in effect, “Isn’t this the son of Joseph, whom we know?” Their familiarity with Jesus blocked them from recognizing the deeper truth He was revealing.

This response represents a common human pattern. We appreciate truth when it seems comforting, but when it challenges our habits and attitudes, we hesitate. We may want to receive comfort from God’s Word but resist the genuine transformation it calls for. We cling to what we are used to and resist new possibilities from God. True spiritual humility means letting go of our own fixed ideas and allowing God to open new paths in our lives.

 

Jesus declares, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing,” teaching us that God’s kingdom is not just a distant dream. It may not be completely fulfilled yet, but it has already broken into our world through Jesus. If we accept Jesus in faith, we can experience the reality of God’s reign now, in our daily lives.

God’s kingdom does not always appear through dramatic miracles or upheavals. Both the Old Testament Jubilee and Jesus’ message of liberation show us that genuine change often begins in our hearts. From there, it spreads to our families, our faith communities, and eventually to society at large. When spiritual freedom and social renewal go hand in hand, God’s kingdom becomes clearer. Even now, Jesus is inviting us to live in a way that makes His kingdom visible in our world.

 

The words Jesus spoke in the synagogue in Nazareth long ago still come to us through Scripture. Even today, He enters our lives, comforts our weary hearts, and invites us into new joy and freedom. This is not just a story from the past; it is God’s salvation at work right now.

Our responsibility is to respond to this invitation. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we learn to see the world through God’s eyes, allowing our hearts to change, and caring for those around us. As we take small steps in this direction, our lives begin to change. Then, in our midst, Jesus’ words become real: “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” If we practice even small acts of compassion and liberation each day, we can take part in a new beginning filled with true freedom and hope.

Amen.

A New Beginning: When Heaven’s Grace Dwells Among Us
 

When winter arrives, many of us wait eagerly for the first snow. While snow may fall often throughout the season, something about that very first snowfall makes everything feel new. Familiar landscapes become blanketed in white, and suddenly we see the world from a fresh perspective.

In today’s Gospel reading from John 2:1-11, we find a similar sense of transformation in the story of the Wedding at Cana. In a small Galilean village, Jesus performed His first miracle by turning water into wine. This did not happen on a grand stage or during a severe crisis, but at an ordinary celebration. In doing so, Jesus shows us that God’s grace permeates even our most everyday moments. Today, let us reflect on this miracle and discover its meaning for our lives.

The setting of this miracle is remarkable in its simplicity. The wedding at Cana was not a royal or noble affair, but a modest village festival. Yet Jesus was there, celebrating with the guests. When the wine ran out—a common mishap at a wedding—He performed a sign that would reveal God’s gracious nature.

For those attending, this was simply a happy occasion. It was not a formal religious rite or a grand ceremony. Nevertheless, Jesus chose this humble setting to work His first miracle, reminding us that God is not confined to cathedrals and formal liturgies. The Lord draws near to us in the midst of our daily routines and cares about our simplest needs.

 

It is noteworthy that the wine Jesus provided was the same kind people would ordinarily drink at a celebration. It was not manna from heaven, nor was it wine reserved for a solemn religious ritual. It was simply for everyone’s enjoyment at the feast.

Even so, Jesus did not see this ordinary need as unimportant. By transforming water into wine, He demonstrated that our everyday pleasures and necessities also belong under God’s loving care. We often try to keep “sacred” and “secular” in separate corners, but the Wedding at Cana reminds us that God’s grace can flow into every aspect of human life, sanctifying even the most ordinary moments.

The story of Cana highlights how a simple gathering can become sacred when touched by God’s presence. Most of our lives are not filled with grand events or dramatic encounters. Rather, we live day by day in routines and small habits. Yet, in the midst of such everyday details, Jesus chose to perform His first miracle.

Holiness, therefore, is not found in some distant realm but right here, where we breathe, eat, and share life. Even the most familiar places—our homes, our streets, our dining tables—can become spaces where God’s grace is revealed.

Scripture shows us many such examples. In Luke 24, the risen Jesus walked with two disciples who did not recognize Him at first. Only when they sat down to share a simple meal did they finally see Him for who He was:

“When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him…”
  (Luke 24:30-31)

No shining angels or grand ceremonies appeared—just a meal among weary travelers. Yet in that moment of ordinary fellowship, the disciples’ hearts were set ablaze because Christ was made known to them.

In the same way, our daily walks, our conversations, and our meals can become windows into God’s kingdom. When we pause to recognize “God is here,” even without dramatic signs, our routine lives become filled with “quiet miracles.” Jesus does not usually overwhelm us with spectacle; instead, He gently knocks on our hearts through small, ordinary encounters, showing that every aspect of our lives can hold sacred meaning.

Another perspective from the Wedding at Cana is the significance of now. Jesus did not announce a future miracle, nor did He wait for a more important occasion. Instead, He saw the immediate need—the wine shortage—and graciously responded to bring joy to that present moment.

It can be easy to set our eyes on some distant time or to wait for a special event. But Cana reminds us that God’s grace is active right where we are, even in our common worries and immediate concerns. As in the novel  Zorba the Greek, where Zorba passionately embraces each passing moment, we too must focus on today if we hope to encounter God moving here and now.

 

The story of the Wedding at Cana teaches us that Jesus’ miracles did not begin with elaborate rituals in grand settings but in the middle of a simple village feast. By turning water into wine, Jesus showed us that God longs to fill every corner of life with divine grace. The same is true for us: wherever we happen to be, God can work “quiet miracles” through our willingness and faith.

May we strive to live beautiful and meaningful lives so that our very presence becomes a special miracle in ordinary places. Even if we do not witness dramatic signs, may each of us manifest these quiet wonders in our daily routines. While there may be times to serve in extraordinary ways, creating faithful and loving connections with those around us in the simplicity of everyday life is equally vital—if not more.

Let us hold dear the small feelings, encounters, and daily efforts that are so precious in God’s sight. The same grace that transformed water into wine at Cana has the power to uplift our seemingly unremarkable moments. If we place our trust in that grace, our ordinary lives can radiate God’s extraordinary love.

We see this happen in everyday places—a kind word to someone at the grocery store, a comforting chat with a friend over coffee, a warm welcome at the door of the church. Just as those water jars at Cana became vessels of Christ’s miracle, so can our daily lives become vessels of God’s abundant grace, both within our Episcopal community and beyond.

And now, as we gather at the altar, let us remember: the same Christ who once blessed a wedding celebration offers Himself to us in bread and wine. In this Holy Eucharist, our simple worship is lifted into a sacred encounter with divine love. May we take that presence with us, carrying Christ’s blessing into every ordinary moment of our week.

Amen.

Power in Everyday Life and the Kingdom of God

Today is Christ the King Sunday, the final Sunday of the church year. On this day, we reflect on the nature of power and the Kingdom of God—a kingdom unlike any in this world, built on truth and love rather than control and dominance. Next week, Advent begins, and after four weeks of Advent, we will celebrate Christmas. The year is already coming to a close. As we reflect on the grace God has shown us throughout this year, I hope we can conclude with gratitude and prepare for the coming new year.

In today’s Gospel, we witness a conversation between Jesus and Pilate, which invites us to reflect on the fundamental difference between the kingdoms of this world and the Kingdom of God. Pilate tries to understand Jesus from a worldly perspective, as a king. However, Jesus declares, “My kingdom is not from this world,” emphasizing that God’s kingdom is fundamentally different from worldly power. Through this conversation, we are encouraged to think deeply about what Jesus’ kingdom means and how it challenges our lives.

In John chapter 18, Pilate asks Jesus, “Are you the King of the Jews?” This question was not just out of curiosity; it was intended to assess whether Jesus posed a political threat. The Roman Empire was wary of any Jewish rebellion, and the term “king” was considered a dangerous threat.

Pilate, as a representative of worldly power, tried to understand Jesus within the logic and framework he knew. However, Jesus’ response revealed something entirely different. Jesus said, “My kingdom is not from this world,” emphasizing that His kingdom is not based on worldly power or material foundations (John 18:36).

This response was not simply a denial of political power; it revealed the limitations of earthly power and presented God’s kingdom, which is built on truth and love. When we live under God’s rule, we can experience true freedom and peace, beyond the oppression of worldly power.

Jesus’ words challenge us to reflect on where we place our trust. Are we relying on worldly power, or are we seeking the truth and love that come from God? This question remains relevant as we navigate the power structures and values of our own lives. What does that mean for us as followers of Christ? How does this challenge the way we view success, power, and leadership in our own lives?

Rather than seeking control and dominance, Jesus exemplifies a kingdom founded on humble service, truth, and love. By embracing these values, we are called to transform our relationships and communities, embodying the peace and freedom that come from living under God’s rule.

This conversation also reminds us of the story in 1 Samuel chapter 8. The people of Israel, despite God being their King, wanted a visible king like the surrounding nations. They approached Samuel and said, “Appoint for us a king,” rejecting God’s rule in favor of worldly security (1 Samuel 8:5).

God allowed their request but warned them about the dangers of having a human king. He told them that a king would take their sons for war and labor, impose taxes, and take their property (1 Samuel 8:11-14). However, the people ignored these warnings and insisted on having a human king. As a result, they experienced the flaws and limitations of worldly power.

This story warns us of the consequences of turning away from God’s rule in pursuit of earthly power. The Kingdom of God transcends the imperfection of human kingship, offering a new order of rule based on truth, love, and justice. True leadership, as exemplified by Jesus, is not about domination but about serving others with humility and love.

This lesson remains crucial for us today. We must be mindful of where we seek security and fulfillment. Earthly power, no matter how alluring, comes with limitations and consequences. Only in God’s kingdom can we find a foundation that is just, loving, and eternal.

In our own lives, we also encounter various forms of power relationships. At work, a boss may misuse their authority to treat employees unfairly. At home, parents, despite their love, may sometimes make the mistake of being overly controlling. Power dynamics also exist between spouses, partners, and friends.

These power structures deeply influence our thoughts and actions. The world often emphasizes values like success, power, and competition, but Jesus teaches a new set of values centered on love, service, and God’s will. Through Jesus’ teachings, we are challenged to follow God’s love and truth even within oppressive power structures.

We often find ourselves at a crossroads within these power dynamics. The temptation of worldly power is strong, and at times, it may seem easier and more convenient to conform to it. The values of the world constantly urge us to acquire more, to wield greater influence. However, Jesus challenges us to choose a new life in God’s love and truth, instead of following the values of the world.

By rejecting values rooted in dominance and choosing instead to live by love and service, we participate in God’s kingdom. This change in values is not always easy; it requires intentionality, humility, and a willingness to challenge norms. However, this is how we can overcome oppressive structures and live out true peace and love in our daily lives.

We are called to examine our own relationships and consider whether we are using power to dominate or to serve. By choosing to serve, we align ourselves with the values of God’s kingdom and become instruments of His peace and love. Every decision to serve rather than dominate is a step toward making the Kingdom of God a reality in our lives.

We also understand that it is not always possible to live solely by one set of values in this complex world. While we affirm Jesus’ kingdom in contrast to worldly kingdoms, we recognize the difficulty of living perfectly by one side alone. We must navigate the systems of earthly politics and power while keeping God’s kingdom in our hearts. It is like a ship sailing through rough seas, needing wisdom to maintain balance and avoid sinking.

The conversation between Jesus and Pilate highlights the tension between worldly power and God’s truth. Pilate, as a representative of the Roman Empire, viewed Jesus as a political threat, but Jesus responded, “I came to testify to the truth” (John 18:37). His mission was not to seek worldly dominance but to reveal a truth that brings freedom and peace.

This same conflict exists in our lives today. Worldly power often distorts or conceals the truth, and economic systems may reduce people to mere tools of profit. Yet, Jesus calls us to live courageously in truth, even when it challenges the systems around us. Truth is not just an abstract concept; it is the power of God, bringing freedom, justice, and life to those who embrace it.

In the everyday power structures we navigate—at work, at home, and in society—choosing truth over convenience or conformity requires intentionality and faith. It means standing for justice, speaking honestly, and refusing to participate in actions that oppress or deceive. Each small act of truth in these situations reflects the Kingdom of God.

By living in truth, we embody God’s kingdom in the present, transforming ourselves, our relationships, and our communities. Truth is the foundation upon which God’s kingdom grows, a light shining in the darkness of worldly power.

The Kingdom of God is not a distant ideal but a reality that can be lived out here and now. Jesus’ attitude before Pilate serves as an example of not yielding to oppressive power but instead practicing truth and love. When we practice servant leadership at home and at work, the Kingdom of God begins in our lives.

At home, parents can act in ways that help their children grow, rather than trying to control them. At work, a supervisor can demonstrate leadership by helping their team members develop their potential. This attitude of service is a concrete way to live out God’s love and justice in our everyday lives.

Living out the Kingdom of God also means being aware of those around us who are in need. It means listening to the cries for help, just as Jesus did, and responding with compassion and action. Each time we choose to serve, we embody the values of God’s kingdom, and the Kingdom grows within us and around us.

True transformation happens when we embody these values consistently, allowing the Kingdom of God to be seen not only in our words but in our actions. We may not be able to change the entire world, but we can bring about change in our own hearts and in the lives of those we encounter every day.

The conversation between Jesus and Pilate in John 18 reveals the limitations of worldly power and presents a new kingdom founded on God’s truth and love. This kingdom is built not on oppression or domination, but on service and love.

As we prepare for Advent and Christmas, let us think about how we can make the Kingdom of God real in our daily lives. When we act with truth and love and live to serve one another, the Kingdom of God is already being realized here on earth. Building this new set of values, letting go of the old, is the path we are called to follow as Christians. This is the way of renewal and transformation, a journey of dying to the old self and rising with Christ.

Let us continue to move forward, even if slowly, making decisions for change, for this is the core identity of a Christian. Jesus made the decision to endure the suffering of the cross, and we too are called to make decisions for transformation, no matter how challenging.

May we always strive for growth and renewal, knowing that even small steps bring us closer to God’s kingdom.

Amen.

Sermon Delivered at Church of the Good Shepherd
Fort Lee, New Jersey,
All Saints, November 6, 2022, at 8:00 &10:00 a.m.
By the Rev. Stephen C. Galleher

ALL SAINTS MEANS US!

“Give us grace so to follow your saints…that we may come to those ineffable
joys that you have prepared for those who truly love you.”

(Collect for All Saints)
“For the Lord takes pleasure in his people and adorns the poor with victory.”
(Psalm 149:4)
“In him you also…were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is
the pledge of our inheritance.” (Ephesians 1:11-23)
“He by himself hath sworn: we on his oath depend; we shall on eagle wings
upborne, to heaven ascend.” (Hyman 401, 2 nd v.)
Good morning, saints! Do you know of all the holy days on the Christian
calendar, this is the only one that does not celebrate some aspect of Christ’s life,
from birth to resurrection. It is the only festival that celebrates us, you and me!
What a turnaround, eh? It celebrates us and uses a very honorific name for
us—saints!
Saints? You ask. Yes, saints! Notice that this is who and what we are. No, no,
no, you reply. Saints are extra special people, people who have been canonized.
You know, that long process the church has of declaring a special Christian person
a saint. Those canonized folk, the so-called “saints,” must have performed
goodness knows so many verified miracles and they must be attested as being

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above most of the rest of us. This is all, if you’ll excuse my opinion, ridiculous and
puts in our hands or the hands of those who judge whether someone is worthy of
being declared a saint, something that can only rightly be ascribed to God. How
dare we say who is better than anyone else?
No. All Saints means all, not just of people whom we honor on the numerous
designated saints days, but literally all—certainly all Christian people and more
than likely all human beings, all those born of human mothers. If this sounds too
inclusive, then I ask you to tell me just who do we think we are that we can make
judgments as to who is and who is not a saint?
Sure, there are tons and tons of people we know about and whom we know
personally who are most definitely not among our favorites. I’m sure you could list
historical figures and personal friends that you would never consider a “saint.”
Good for you, but not good for God. Because God is judge and I wonder just
whom God would exclude from this title?
We do, in fact, use the word saint to point to extra special people who
illustrate special gifts of love and service; and we’ll probably continue to use the
word in this way. But the glory of the gospel is that our Lord Jesus reached down
into every level of society and named and called out the beauty in the humblest

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human beings, those, in fact, that we would find least likely to be called “saints.”
This is part of the beauty and the majesty of the incarnation, and part of the scandal
really, because the Christ does not judge human beings the same way we do; in
fact, I don’t see him ranking people at all, a trait all too common, and perhaps in
some ways necessary, to us human beings.
The great All Saints hymn I quoted at the beginning of this meditation pretty
much says that every one of us is going to heaven. Is this too much for our
judgmental minds to take in? Perhaps, but it’s a pretty good bet this optimistic
picture of our God far outshines any god that would consign any one of us, no
matter how villainous and unworthy, to an everlasting torment. How dare we here
on earth ever assume the position of judging the eternal fate of an individual?
Shouldn’t that job be better left to God and not to our bloodthirsty hands?
The God I worship is a God of love, and God’s punishment is used only as a
corrective, like a spiritual governor to keep us upright and living the life of joy and
grace that we are promised.
I ask you to reflect on those people in your life whom you might consider
saints, forgetting for a moment that we are all saints. I can think of quite a few, and
I’ll bet you can too. Perhaps a member or members of your family. A person who

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particularly helped you in your early life, showing you how to overcome a difficult
situation. Or a person who was so kind that you got a clearer understanding of
what God is. A person who went out of his or her way for you. Or how about a
person you thought little of who you came to see as very, very special to you.
What I suggest is that that choir of extra special people in your life, whom we
might designate saints, point to something quite startling: namely, that no one is
left out of this parade of celebrities. Aren’t we urged to pull just about everyone
whom we have known and now know up on the stage with us to be recognized?
This is what canonization of those special people we think of does to us. It
canonizes everyone. (Well, let’s leave alone those people, political figures and
personal friends to whom we can focus no good feelings. They are God’s concern,
not ours!)
I believe that this kindly feeling we generate towards just about everyone on
All Saints (the living and the dead) is generated from the feeling, from the deep,
deep feeling that we are loved. We are loved by the one who created us and gave
up his beautiful, innocent life for us. Life erupts out of this exhilaration of knowing
we are loved.

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I want to recite a lovely poem by Derek Walcott. It is called “Love after
Love.”
The time will come
when, with elation
you will greet yourself arriving
at your own door, in your own mirror
and each will smile at the other’s welcome,
and say, sit here. Eat.
You will love again the stranger who was your self.
Give wine. Give bread. Give back your heart
to itself, to the stranger who has loved you
all your life, whom you ignored
for another, who knows you by heart.
Take down the love letters from the bookshelf,
the photographs, the desperate notes,
peel your own image from the mirror.
Sit. Feast on your life.

Ask yourself who are the saints in your life now? Do you count yourself
among them? Do you count the person sitting next to you? And if you are
having trouble answering yes to these questions, then ask What do you think
God thinks of you? What do you think God thinks of the person sitting next to
you?
Amen.