ALL SAINTS DAY
Today's General Theme: God's grace in Christ makes us saints; we thank God for the blessings He has given us through faithful believers and consider their examplefor our imitationMood of Service: Triumphant/joyful/spirited
Service Notes
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[This may need to be revised.]
A special dayof celebration in remembrance of martyrs was observed already in the third centuryChurch. In the next century, the date was set as May 13, the occasion of thededication of the Roman pantheon in 610 to St. Mary and all Martyrs. Thisremained the date until 835 when it was shifted to November 1, evidently for utilitarian reasons alone. (Horn, Edward T.,
The Christian Year
, Muhlenberg Press,1957, p. 209) In modern Lutheran usage, it is celebrated on November 1, or theSunday after. This allows for celebration of Reformation Day on October 31 or theSunday preceding. In Lutheran usage, of course, we do not honor or worship thesaints themselves, but rather give thanks to the Lord of the Church for the blessingsHe has brought us through their service and example. We must also remember theScriptural usage of the term "saint": not a perfect person holy by merit, but a person made holy by redemption in Christ, that is, any believer. This will protectus from any tendency to emphasize the virtue of any human being, and keep our faith focused on Christ alone. This applies as well when these Propers are used for the commemoration of the martyrs. It is always fitting to remember the example of those who bravely contended for the faith so we may be encouraged in our pilgrimage. However, don't overlook the multitude of "little saints" who by faithfulChristian living in daily circumstances also made possible the preservation andextension of the Christian faith. This is the Church's Memorial Day. In the
Introit
the antiphon shows us the saints in glory, triumphant through Christ Whom theytrust. The Psalm verses direct us personally to put our confidence in God Who willsurely give us the victory too. We pray in the
Collect
that God would help usfollow the example of the saints who have gone before us, so that we may bothglorify Him here on earth by godly living and live in His love forever. The
Gradual
bridges the Old Testament Lesson and Epistle by telling us to fear theLord (not the fear of penalty since we are forgiven, hut a respect for Him thatdirects us to honor, serve and trust Him above any other consideration) because Hefaithfully provides for His followers, even in time of trouble. The
Verse
bridges the
2
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