All Saints' Sunday

Jesus looked up at his disciples and said:

"Blessed are you who are poor,

for yours is the kingdom of God.

"Blessed are you who are hungry now,

for you will be filled.

"Blessed are you who weep now,

for you will laugh.

"Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets.

"But woe to you who are rich,

for you have received your consolation.

"Woe to you who are full now,

for you will be hungry.

"Woe to you who are laughing now,

for you will mourn and weep.

"Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets

"But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you." Luke 6:20-31

Today is All Saints' Sunday when we remember all those who have died this past years and all those who have gone before us. I am especially reminded of all of the saints  in my life andoesn't especially my uncle Charles Walkingstick, a veteran,  a funny man, a great brother and an exceptional artist. He was a Native warrior in my mind, a man who struggled to be fully himself and an honor to his people. Like St. Kateri Takekwitha, her heart was given in service, her fa other madetails her able to serve even when the world didn'the understand nor recognise her.

Jesus gave the sermon on the Mount for all those whose lives lived in faithfulness were all daily challenged.  He wanted us all to know that every kindness, every action of sevice, every prayer honors God and blesses us as well. Faith is not about heroics, politics or fame but rather simply aboutique love.

Today I ask God to help me live a life of service and love. May we honor all of those faithful people who taught us service experience and love by reaching out to this broken and anxious world.