When Mary came where Jesus was and saw him, she knelt at his feet and said to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved. He said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus began to weep.

–John 11.32-35

• How important is it for you to be recognized for what you do for others? Are you easily hurt when you aren’t thanked or appreciated for others to see when you do something?
• Have you ever made bargains with God, perhaps saying ‘if I do this then I expect you to do that?’ Is that how we often think of our relationships with the most important people in our lives?
• Have you ever blamed or questioned God for not helping you in a moment when you needed God’s help, or even asked for God’s help?
• Is it important to you that we know Jesus cried? What does it say to you that Jesus would cry at this moment of loss?

All Saints Sunday is, of course, a day to honor the saints of the past, you know, the big ones that we all know the names and deeds. But it’s also a time when we reflect on those relationships and people who were a part of our lives and aren’t with us anymore. It’s a day of recognition and it’s also a day or remembrance; that remembrance includes an awareness that this is our day and time, and it’s our chance to stand up, act, be accountable, and do our part for the work of the kingdom of God just like our ancestors did. I hope you’ll join us at Trinity Commons on Sunday at 6pm to recognize and remember that we’re saints of God too. We’ll have another delicious supper to enjoy after the service, and it’s always better when you’re there with us. I hope to see you on Sunday.