Thought for November 1, 2023

  • 1755: Lisbon earthquake kills 50,000+
  • 1894: Vaccine for diphtheria announced by Dr. Emile Roux
  • 1952: First H bomb detonated in the Marshall Islands
  • 1959: First fiberglass face mask for a goalie in the NHL
  • 1997: "Titanic" premiers at the Tokyo International Film Festival
  • Born: Gary Player
  • Died: Ezra Pound, Phil Silvers, Walter Payton

 Happy All Saints Day!. Hope you survived Halloween. Halloween apparently began as a Celtic New Year's Eve party--the transition from harvest to winter. Their New Year began on November 1. November 1 was originally called All Martyrs Day to celebrate those who died for the cause of Christ. Later, the Catholic Church added All Souls Day on November 2 to pray for those stuck in purgatory [their concept]. 

At our high school Baccalaureate, Jan and I [along with our class] sang "For All the Saints." The hymn was written in 1864 by an Anglican Bishop and performed as a processional to a tune by Barnby. In 1906, the tune was changed to "Sine Nomine" [without name] by Ralph Vaughan Williams. This morning, think about the words to this great hymn and remember that one day when this song is sung it will be about you.

'For all the saints who from their labors rest

Who Thee by faith before the world confessed;

Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest,

Alleluia, Alleluia!


Thou wast their Rock, their Fortress, and their Might;

Thou, Lord, their Captain in the well-fought fight;

Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true Light;

Alleluia, Alleluia!


And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long,

Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,

And hearts are brave again and arms are strong,

Alleluia, Alleluia!


But when there breaks a yet more glorious day,

The saints triumphant rise in bright array;

The King of glory passes on His way.

Alleluia, Alleluia!


From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast,

Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,

In praise of Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

Alleluia, Alleluia!

As I read these words I am struck by the description of our condition: laboring, fighting, in the middle of strife and extended warfare. Then I look at our Captain--Rock, Fortress, Might, King. Then I praise the words of hope about our future--glorious, triumphant, bright--constantly praising Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Lord give us the faith to confess before the world today.


Blessings

Larry 

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