Everyday Saints – Br. Lain Wilson

All Saints’ Day

Revelation 7:9-17
Matthew 5:1-12

I had a tough day yesterday.

Not that anything was particularly bad; everything just seemed slightly off. I felt like I wasn’t able to see things head on. I couldn’t wrap my head around what needed to be done, I couldn’t focus, I couldn’t seem to stay on top of things. I had to sit down, take a breath, and say to God, “I need something. I don’t know what I need, but I need something, just to get me through to the next thing.”

It was just one of those tough days. I’m sure you’ve had one or two of those yourselves.

But it was also a day that felt completely self-indulgent. With so much going on, here and around the world, with so much pain and suffering, who am I to complain about an off day? Surely it’s better to acknowledge my own struggle and move on to praying for these bigger issues. I had a tough day, but so many people are having tougher ones.

I’m sure you’ve felt this way, too.

Yesterday was a tough day.

And yesterday reveals why today is so important. Read More

The Saints, Our Heroes -Br. Curtis Almquist

Br. Curtis AlmquistRevelation 7: 9-17, Matthew 5: 1-12

The tradition of All Saints Day, which we celebrate today, traces its history back to the sixth century.  At that time Pope Boniface consecrated the Pantheon at Rome as a place of solemn remembrance and thanksgiving for the life and witness of so many hundreds and hundreds of Christians who were martyred there during the first three centuries of the church.

All Saints Day became a comforting tradition.  Do you remember the Latin etymology for the English word “comfort”?  com + fortis: com = with; fortis = fortitude or strength.  All Saints Day: a day to comfort us, to strengthen us, so we can faithfully meet the challenges at hand in our own lifetime by our embracing the companionship of the saints. Read More

All Saints Day – Br. Curtis Almquist

Revelation 7:9-17

The tradition of All Saints Day, which we celebrate today, traces its history back to the sixth century. At that time Pope Boniface consecrated the Pantheon at Rome as a place of solemn remembrance for the life and witness of so many hundreds and hundreds of Christians who were martyred there during the first three centuries of the church. Curiously, last night, Halloween – with its sometimes-bizarre tricks or treats and costumes and fires – is connected to this holy day. The name “Halloween” comes from the Middle English halowen which means “holy” or “saint.” And so, Halloween is the evening before All Hallows Day, i.e., All Saints Day. Now hold that thought for a moment. Read More