At Christ the Redeemer, this Sunday, there will be time set aside to lift up the names of those saints who have passed to the eternal life. This Sunday, perhaps, more than most, you will have a heightened awareness of what it means when the phrases "angels, archangels, and the hosts heaven" or "the communion of saints" are uttered during the Eucharist. The readings, the hymns and the prayers all will be drawing our attention to the amazing eternal presence of the triune God and all who walk forever in His embrace.
How awesome it is to be so keenly aware of the abiding presence of All The Saints who now rest from their earthly labor. As you hear the long list of names of departed loved ones, I pray that you will be aware of an abiding companionship that often goes unnoticed! I pray that you will be drawn into AWE!
Recently I was in a discussion about the importance of remembering the attitude of "awe" when we are worshipping. Awe is not something we can accomplish by thinking about it. In fact, the more we try to figure out what stimulates awe, the more we limit its depth and breadth.
Being in "awe" can be a tender time. We may be speechless...we may tear up...we may sigh or utter a soft "mmmmmmm" sound which isn't a moan or a groan (it is often the sound we hear in the sanctuary when particularly touching news of birth, death, illness is given). We are invited by God's awesomeness to simply dwell in the moment without trying to figure it out.
Awe may not last very long....but lingering with it, appreciating it for event a short time changes the way you see your ordinary life. After we are "awe-filled" we we return to the tangible places of our life with a deeper appreciation for the love and power that is always present -- the extraordinary in the midst of the ordinary.
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