Saints

By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had received the spies in peace. -Hebrews 11:31

The 11thchapter of Hebrews is a long catalogue of saints and what they did to earn our remembrance. David made the list, but Solomon did not. In fact, David is the only king mentioned, a grim reminder that for early Christians those with political power were always respected, but rarely considered righteous.

For: 
August 18, 2019
Hebrews 11:29-12:2
Genesis 19:1-17
Pentecost 10

In the past, I have emphasized the all in All Saints Day. Not this year. There isn’t an ‘all’ in Jesus’ definition of saint. In this Saturday’s holiday lection, Jesus begins his sermon on the mount with a series of blessings (Matthew 5:1-12). Each of these Beatitudes are a reversal in our definition of saint. Those with impoverished faith are sanctified. The theologically trained go unnoticed.  The meek are praised and the ambitious considered un-saintly. Mourning counts for something. The bad theology that considers our misfortunes to be punishments for being less than perfect, is thrown in the trash bin. The messy and politically unappreciated work of peacemaking is prized. In short, Jesus redefines the celebration we plan for this weekend.

 

This is the great surprise. Take a closer look at the narratives of people who you admire. It’s not the ones who wisely avoided trouble and paid their bills always on time, that are the saints. It is the family who has suffered the heartbreak of an early death, a childhood illness, or the loss of their home through foreclosure. They may not be articulate about their religion, but they are the real saints.

For: 
November 2, 2014
Matthew 5:1-12
All Saints Sunday

Habakkuk isn’t an easy person to like. His book is a series of complaints. He complains because the wicked are taking advantage of the good folk. He complains because no good deed goes unpunished. Mostly, he complains at God for not throwing around a few well placed lighting bolts. God replies that he’s going to get around to it. The guilty will, in time, be punished. Habakkul isn't too happy with God's plan to use Babylonian mobsters to bring about his street justice. God says, "I can hit straight licks with crooked sticks." Habakkuk, however, is not the kind of person to let his complaint go at that. He says that he will keep watch. He will be the one who remembers the poor and the oppressed. He will push until justice is done. His 'watchman on the wall' phrase, should be seen as a passionate and persistent commitment to social justice. This all doesn’t make him easy to like.

 

For: 
November 3, 2013
Habakkuk 1 and 2
All Saints Sunday
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