All Saints' Day

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

On the Feast of All Saints', I can't help but think on the people who helped me and who have gone on to their rest. So many Indigenous leaders who have taught me to serve and honor others, to listen and to speak with reverence and humility always. There is my mother, Betty WalkingStick, a Cherokee, and my beloved Dad, Donald Theobald, who we refered to as the Great White Father. Then, Dr. Owanah Anderson, long time Officer for Native Ministries, who raised up so many of us. Sainted Bishop Harold Jones (Lakota), first Native Bishop in our church, Sainted Bishop Steven Plummer (Navajo) and Sainted Bishop Creighton Robertson (Lakota), all who served with dignity, love and humility. Their ministries were not ever easy, nor did they ever received the respect of recognition they deserved.

Jesus teaches his disciples and us today, that the way of love, the way of following as a disciple of Jesus, is never easy. It is not the easy road of recognition and success. It is the way of humility and sometimes cruelty from others. It is a holy road, but not an easy way. We are invited to rejoice in this, knowing that others have gone before us and watch over us as we struggle on.

Today, I ask the Creator to help me live humbly, serve fully and live the holy road of love. May, whatever the consequences of faithfulness are, we live rejoicing in the love we have been given and are surrounded by in our daily lives of struggle and faith.