After a vote the group decided to focus on the readings for All Saints rather than the Propers for Sunday. We also decided to focus on the Luke version from the RCL/BCP for All Saints II. I was happy because I think the Beatitudes should be read more often; though I do wish the story of poor Zacchaeus didn't get skipped with such regularity. Anyway, the conversation jumped all around today; literal rich/poor, spiritual rich/poor, blessings v. woes, etc. But what got me today was my typical All Saints rant; it isn't about the people who got it all right, no one has, but those of us who struggle each day to follow Jesus and fail. Then, Keith pointed out the Sirach reading for All Saints I from the BCP, which I really wish was maintained in the RCL.
It is a beautiful hymn to the faithful departed which begins by "singing the praises of famous men" but reminds us also of "others [of whom] there is no memory; they have perished as though they had never existed; they have become as though they had never been born, they and their children after them. But these also were godly men, whose righteous deeds have not been forgotten..." What a great way to celebrate All Saints, recalling those famous men and women who are our examples in the faith AND those who we know struggled and failed and flailed around trying to follow Jesus. Because in reality, it isn't about "doing it right." Sarah, Moses, David, Mary Magdeline, they all had their faults, but when it came down to it, they trusted in the Lord. That is the message of All Saints.
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