This year on All Saints Day we remember four New Hope members who died in 2009. We thank God that they lived among us: Al Bittel, Betty Myers, Kiyoko Bundens, and Guy Wells. All four of them loved our church. We have our memories of them and are blessed to have had them with us as brothers and sisters in the faith.
In his book, Bread for the Journey, Henri Nouwen wrote a brief devotional thought that he titled “The Companionship of the Dead.” When I read these words weeks ago, I marked them to share them with you on All Saints Day, because they define the meaning of this day in the Church Year better than anything I have read.
As we grow older we have more and more people to remember, people who have died before us. It is very important to remember those who have loved us and those we have loved. Remembering them means letting their spirits inspire us in our daily lives. They can become part of our spiritual communities and gently help us as we make decisions on our journeys. Parents, spouses, children, and friends can become true spiritual companions after they have died. Sometimes they can become even more intimate to us after death than when they were with us in life.
Remembering the dead is choosing their ongoing companionship.
Who are you remembering today? Whose ongoing companionship is important to you?
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