Connecting Through Christ: Finding Comfort on All Saints Sunday

This upcoming Sunday is one of the most meaningful days in the church year for me, a day when we fervently proclaim the hope we have in Christ, a hope that not even death can destroy. We call this day All Saints Sunday, as we remember those who have died and now rest in the promises of Jesus, promises that through Him, they are made righteous with God.

As we’ve explored the faith practices of other Christian traditions, we’ve noticed that the understanding of “saints” varies across denominations. For some, saints are viewed as people of extraordinary faith, those who can intercede and support others in times of need. In some ways, I appreciate the “team spirit” that brings to prayer life. Yet, the Lutheran in me holds fast to the belief that we can speak directly to God, and that my prayer “team” is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

A few years ago, however, a conversation in a grief group changed how I thought about this altogether.

The group was mostly composed of people who had lost their spouses or significant others to brain cancer. They shared a strong bond rooted in caregiving and the deep changes that grief brings not only in their relationships with loved ones, but also with other family members and with God.

One day, as we talked about faith amid loss, a member shared how comforting it was to speak to Saint Peregrine. Another participant leaned back in his chair and quietly said, “I see it differently.” I braced myself for a Catholic-versus-Protestant debate to erupt, and almost stepped in but I’m glad I didn’t.

He continued, “I guess I pray to Jesus to communicate with my wife about what’s happening. I ask Jesus to tell her we’re doing okay down here, or to let her know how the recent basketball game went for our grandson.”

His words filled the room with a gentle peace. In that moment, I felt a sense of comfort and connection I hadn’t experienced before, a reminder that Jesus not only cares for us here on earth, but also as we join the heavenly chorus. Through Him, the bond of love between heaven and earth remains unbroken.

So my encouragement to you, especially if you are feeling grief deeply this season, is to take time to pray to connect through Jesus once again and feel the comfort of that holy connection.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Tim