Saints of the Church

As November appears on the calendar
patron saints of the ages come to mind.
Some say they intercede for us in prayer
just as a friend would pray for you now.

I’m reassured thinking of Saint Anthony of
Portugal finding lost people and wedding rings
Santa Lucia carrying light in darkness
And Saint Paul inspiring missionaries.

It’s not as though patron saints of the ages
lived entire lives of perfection, always
appearing religiously pious
while they prance joyfully down the lane.

The same goes for our beloved living saints.
Ones who miraculously turn flour,
sugar, and eggs into a thing of beauty
and tastiness that never ceases to amaze.

Do you also recall the innumerable
living saints who wondrously turn a piece
of wood or metal into something
unbelievably meaningful and true?

Come to think of it, we see you using
your gifts for God’s glory and dedicate
your life in joy. I imagine you might
be a saint, too. We give thanks for your devotion.

1 John 3:1-3. (The Message)

3 What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are. But that’s also why the world doesn’t recognize us or take us seriously, because it has no idea who he is or what he’s up to.

But friends, that’s exactly who we are: children of God. And that’s only the beginning.

Who knows how we’ll end up! What we know is that when Christ is openly revealed, we’ll see him—and in seeing him, become like him. All of us who look forward to his Coming stay ready, with the glistening purity of Jesus’ life as a model for our own.

Saints of this Day

This week we celebrate All Saints Day along with Christians from around the world. On this day, we offer up our gratitude to the great “cloud of witnesses.” These saints may look ordinary to others but were used by God to inspire us on our journeys through the relationship we had with them.

Recently I’ve had good reason to consider that the saints also include church ladies who cook and bake. I’m impressed by the people, both male and female, who volunteer to cook for others even when they don’t have to do so. Hospitality by these saints of the kitchen far exceeds ham and cheese sandwiches, chips, and potato salad with excessive amounts of mayo added. Saintly people put out their finest home-canned beets and pickles, perfectly dressed salads in big bowls, and desserts that cause one to breathe in the goodness! Even the table is adorned with beauty. ☺

This autumn I am reminded of our Creator who has adorned the earth with red, yellow, orange, pink, and green. Such grand hospitality is basic in providing for our needs and our desire to be in relationship to God. Similar to the ways we are filled with gratitude to God, so we are thankful to the Methodist church ladies that put out a spread that fills the bellies of hungry people.

Of course, there’s no need to occupy our days aspiring to be a saint. We only need to use our God-given gifts and love one another as magnificently as we can muster.

God’s joy, peace, and hope dwell within your spirit,

Marta
Rev. Marta Wheeler

To view or download a PDF version of this devotional, click here:  Devotional MW 2021-11-03