Revelation 7:9-17; 1 John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

There is never a timeline on grief. It doesn’t matter how long it has been, there will always be moments that remind you of those you’ve lost. The worst part is that you never know when those moments will strike you. It could be when you sit down for dinner, or when you watch a particular show, or over the holidays, or even just sitting in the car. Those we’ve lost weigh heavy upon us, especially when it was someone near and dear.

If this was only natural, however, we wouldn’t feel this way. Sorrow and grief become teachers to us in life. They remind us that this isn’t how life was meant to be. We’re reminded that we’re mortal, that our time is limited on this earth. And for a brief moment, we understand that we were meant for so much more. Hence, our grief. We always wish we had more… more time with a parent who died too young, a spouse who departed before you, a child that was unjustly ripped from your arms, a friend who stood next to you through everything but is no longer here.

This is why the Church celebrates All Saints’ Day. It’s our day to remember the cruel truth that death snatches away those we love. But this is what Jesus says, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted,” Matthew 5:4. When grief and sorrow fill our hearts, it’s hard to feel “blessed.” But blessed is the truth we must learn through death. For we learn very quickly that there’s only one place to turn in such moments. We must go to Christ!

When we’re in the midst of loss, we need hope. Not an empty hope like our world gives, but a hope that gives us comfort in the here and now. We need the hope of Christ, which tells us: Death isn’t the end. Life after death is real. Death is evil. Death has been conquered. And above all, we will get to see those we’ve lost again. Without all of these, any comfort or hope feels shallow.

So, if you have lost someone recently, look to Christ and hear him speak hope. For Christ gives us this hope amidst our loss for he came to suffer it with us. Yes, Christ lost people near and dear to him too. Jesus wept over the tomb of Lazarus. But even more so, Christ went to the cross to join us in our death so that you will never have to face death alone. As Revelation states, “For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes,” Revelation 7:17. Christ has died. Christ has been buried. And Christ is risen from the grave so that he alone may lead us beyond death to life everlasting! Christ’s death on the cross has conquered death so that the loss we face here on earth will not last forever. When Christ returns, he will reunite us with all who have died in the greatest reunion before the very throne of God!

Pastor Sorenson

Prayer:

Almighty and everlasting God, You knit together Your faithful people of all times and places into one holy communion, the mystical body of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Grant us so to follow Your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living that, together with them, we may come to the unspeakable joys You have prepared for those who love You; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen!