All Saint's Day - A Family Reunion

Family reunions are not a part of my life experience. My mother was an only child and my father’s family lived far enough away that we didn’t visit much.  On those rare occasions when we did visit – usually around a death or wedding – I felt surrounded by strangers who shared stories I didn’t know.  I knew I was connected to these people in some way, but it didn’t feel organic, like when I was with my nuclear family.
There are times when coming to church can feel that way, knowing that all the people in the space are connected, but not quite knowing how to tap into those underpinning narratives.  While we sense a familial bond, like I did at those long ago family gatherings, we also feel disconnected because we don’t necessarily know each other’s stories. 
Yet we know we are connected by our shared Christian story.  We come together baptized into the Body of Christ, sharing the identity of being God’s beloved children.  We tell the stories of faith passed down to us over centuries and generations of how God revealed God’s self to us, ultimately giving us eternal salvation through Jesus Christ, our brother.  We start our relationship with each other by knowing our place in God’s story – as one who has been redeemed.  This offers us a common place of humility and joy to learn of each other’s brokenness and hope. 
It follows that on All Saints’ Day, the day when the Church remembers all the faithful that have gone before us, who have guided our faith through their example in thought, word, and deed, that we also welcome new members into the Body of Christ through baptism.  This connection between the Church Triumphant (those already feasting at the heavenly banquet table) and the Church Vigilant (those still striving on earth) is made manifest by living into our story by continuing the prayers and practices given to us through tradition.  These rituals tell the story of our faith through water, oil, bread and wine – re-membering us into the Body of Christ in order to continue his ministry. 
In our tradition of baptizing babies, it is incumbent upon the Church community to live into its responsibility of teaching children from as early as possible the Biblical narrative that connect this family.  It is how they will know they belong to the family whenever it has the opportunity to gather.  These stories connect us to those who have died as well, especially as we gather around the altar to share in Christ’s Body and Blood.  The sacrament is not bound by chronological time and is shared by all believers regardless of time or space.
We will gather together this Sunday at a family reunion, as we do every Sunday, but with deep intention.  We will welcome a new member, Ayana Kerín Devonish, as well as remember those who we love and see no longer.  It is a time to tell stories both about our faith and our daily lives, getting to know each other a bit deeper each time.  Please pray for Ayana and her family as they prepare for this day, as well as for all those who have been baptized into the Body of Christ at St. Barnabas.  We are a part of their stories as well and hope that their faith continues to grow and flourish each day.
Come to the family reunion this Sunday.  Come be with your brothers and sisters in Christ and share our stories.  Come and be the Body of Christ.
In Christ,

Rev. Valerie+ 

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