The month we remember
Good Morning my friends,
Today America goes to the polls – anything can happen, and probably will! There, like everywhere else at the moment there is a sense of uncertainty, and most people are perhaps preoccupied with worrying about what might happen in the days, weeks and months ahead. The truth is we don’t really know.
But it is always like that. Every day changes and chances come our way. Some bring joy, some bring tears, some create opportunity, and some just stop us in our tracks. So there is always a sense of mystery about the future, which I like, but there is always a sense of uncertainty, which sometimes bothers me.
Who was it who said, the only certainties in life were death and taxes. Well they were right.
November is a month when we do think about death, and I believe it is right and proper that we do so.
We begin with the wonderful Feast of All saints. This is such a big one for me, because I love a good story, and one that inspires is even better. And an inspiring life that helps me understand something of a great way to live life is the best. I love hearing about the Saints who were so true to themselves and God. Peter, with his sense of passion and enthusiasm Often acting before thinking things through. Paul, with that great understanding of mission. ‘This New Way is so great, that I have got to tell the whole world.’ Luke, the master storyteller whose writings have changed the world and inspired so many lives. Celia the patron saint of musicians, Francis who embraced Lady Poverty and the whole of God’s creation, and Pat, a dear lady from my last parish who just beamed with joy whenever she welcomes anyone into our church.
The Saints are not just the Holy Celebrities, but as I have said elsewhere, they are the ones who let the light of Christ shine through. Bless them.
The on 2nd we keep the Feast of All Souls, where we remember all those whom we love but see no Longer. This is a bigger thing in many countries than it is in the UK. Here in Spain families gather together to clean and tidy the graves, make them beautiful and look well tended. This often happens on the 1st. Then they gather again, often bringing some sort of picnic, and they spend, in many cases hours together close to (the remains of ) their loved ones. Stories are told, memories are shared, news is given, songs are sung, candles are lit, prayers are said and everyone knows that those who have gone before are still loved, and they are still part of the family. Pictures are brought along and passed around. They are not out of mind because they are out of sight. This is usually a joyful celebration of the life of their loved ones, but of course grief continues to play a part.
Then of course we have Remembrance Day and Remembrance Sunday.
Again for me these events are growing in importance rather than diminishing with time. Theyremind us of the terrible things that human beings can do to one another, and the little value that some people have for life, which others believe is sacred. These days give us the platform in which to give thanks for all that we have to be thankful for in our history, but also to reflect on where societies and nations have fallen short of the ideals of the command of Jesus to love one another.
It still frightens me to think that anyone can have views that are extreme enough to believe that the best way to progress as human beings is to destroy those who are different. Surely we learn most from those who are different from us, and God knows how much we still have to learn.
So the month of November is very much about remembering those who have gone before. But it also has a feel of anticipation. The weeks leading up to the beginning of Advent are what we call the Kingdom Season, with the Feast of Christ the King on 22nd November this year. Our Church Calendar concludes with the great affirmation that whatever else we think, or whatever is going on in the world, it is still the case that Christ is our King. In the midst of all our memories, there is still rejoicing!
Sadly the following hymn is not in our books, but you may well know it.
Christ is the King! O friends rejoice;
brothers and sisters with one voice
make all men know he is your choice.
Alleluia.
O magnify the Lord, we raise
anthems of joy and holy praise
for Christ’s brave saints of ancient days.
Alleluia.
They with a faith for ever new
followed the King, and round him drew
thousands of faithful men and true.
Alleluia.
O Christian women, Christian men,
all the world over, seek again
the Way disciples followed then.
Alleluia.
Christ through all ages is the same:
place the same hope in his great name,
with the same faith his word proclaim.
Alleluia.
Let love’s unconquerable might
your scattered companies unite
in service of the Lord of light.
Alleluia.
So shall God’s will on earth be done,
new lamps be lit, new tasks begun,
and the whole Church at last be one.
Alleluia.
Here is a link if you would like to listen to the choir of Marlborough College.
Bless you, Bless you, Bless you.
Fr Marcus