MESSAGE 3 November 2024 – ALL SOULS – 24th Sunday after PENTECOST YEAR B
THEME: Lazarus – we’ve all been like Lazarus, dead and lifeless, wrapped up like corpses, bound up by all that the world lays on us, until Jesus calls us out, of the tomb and offers us release from everything that binds us and holds us down. Until he breathes his holy breath into us and makes us a new creation.
All Souls’ Day and All Saints’ Day:
All Souls’ Day: This day is dedicated to remembering and praying for all the faithful departed. It’s a time to honour those who have passed away, reflecting on their lives and asking for God’s mercy on their souls. The focus is on the hope of resurrection and eternal life, trusting that God will bring them into His presence.
All Saints’ Day: This celebration honours all the saints, both known and unknown, who have reached heaven. It recognizes their exemplary lives of faith and holiness. The day encourages us to seek their intercession and to be inspired by their dedication to God, striving to follow their example in our own lives.
Jesus Breathing Life Back into Us: This theme centres on Jesus’ power to give new life, both spiritually and physically. It highlights His ability to overcome death and bring hope and renewal. This concept is seen in His miracles, such as the raising of Lazarus, and in His own resurrection, which assures us of the promise of eternal life. It calls us to trust in Jesus’ transformative power in our lives.
Applying the Themes to the Readings
Isaiah 25:6–9:
Theme: God’s promise of salvation and the end of death.
Application: This passage invites us to trust in God’s ultimate victory over death and sorrow. It encourages us to celebrate the hope and joy that come from God’s promise of eternal life. We can apply this by living with a sense of hope and assurance, knowing that God will wipe away all tears and bring everlasting peace.
Psalm 24:
Theme: God’s sovereignty and the call to live a righteous life.
Application: Psalm 24 reminds us that everything belongs to God, who is the Creator of all. It calls us to live with purity and integrity, recognizing God’s authority over our lives. We can apply this by striving to live in a way that honours God, being mindful of our actions and seeking to reflect His holiness in our daily lives.
Revelation 21:1–6a:
Theme: The new creation and God’s eternal presence with humanity.
Application: This vision of a new heaven and a new earth where God dwells with people offers a powerful message of hope. It promises a future without pain, sadness, or death, where everything is made new. We can apply this by holding on to this hope, letting it guide us through difficult times, and living with the assurance that God will make all things right in the end.
John 11:32–44:
Theme: Jesus’ power over death and the promise of resurrection.
Application: The story of Lazarus being raised from the dead demonstrates Jesus’ power over death and His compassion for those who believe in Him. It encourages us to trust in Jesus’ ability to bring new life and transformation. We can apply this by deepening our faith in Jesus, allowing His presence to renew our spiritual journey, and finding strength in His promise of resurrection.
How to Apply These Themes to Our Lives:
Remember and Honor: On All Souls’ Day, take time to remember those who have passed away. Pray for their souls and find comfort in the hope of resurrection. Reflect on their lives and the impact they had on you, keeping their memory alive in your heart.
Live Righteously: Inspired by All Saints’ Day, strive to live a life that reflects God’s holiness. Be mindful of your actions, seek to live with integrity and purity, and follow the example of the saints. Let their dedication to God inspire you to grow in your own faith.
Hope in Renewal: Embrace the hope of a new creation as described in Revelation. Let this hope guide you through challenging times, knowing that God will make all things new. Live with the assurance that pain, sadness, and death will be no more, and that God’s eternal presence will bring ultimate peace.
Trust in Jesus: Believe in Jesus’ power to bring new life, as shown in the story of Lazarus. Allow His presence to breathe new life into your spiritual journey and daily living. Trust in His ability to transform your life and bring hope and renewal, even in the face of death.
By embracing these themes, we can find comfort, hope, and inspiration in our faith, and live in a way that honours God and reflects His love and power.
Let us pray: Loving God,
We come before You with hearts full of gratitude and hope. On this day, we remember all the souls who have gone before us. We ask for Your mercy and grace upon them, trusting in Your promise of eternal life. Comfort those of us who mourn and fill our hearts with the hope of resurrection.
We also celebrate the saints, those who have lived lives of extraordinary faith and holiness. May their examples inspire us to live righteously and to seek Your will in all that we do. Help us to follow their footsteps, striving to reflect Your love and grace in our daily lives.
Lord Jesus, we thank You for Your power to bring new life. Just as You raised Lazarus from the dead, breathe new life into us. Renew our spirits, strengthen our faith, and help us to trust in Your transformative power. In times of sorrow and challenge, remind us of Your promise to make all things new.
As we look forward to the new heaven and new earth, fill us with hope and courage. Let Your presence guide us, and may we live each day with the assurance that You are with us, making all things right.
We pray this in Your holy name, Jesus.
Amen.