For all the saints......

"For all the saints who from their labors rest,

who thee by faith before the world confessed,

thy name, O Jesus, be forever blessed.

Alleluia. Alleluia."

...and we had a lot of saints.  We remembered 24 people who have died since last November 1st.  Brothers and sisters, mothers and grandfathers, best friends and spouses.  We took all the time we needed to remember each one, lighting a candle, singing a couple verses of this beautiful hymn

 "Thou wast their rock, their fortress and their might,

thou, Lord, their captian in the well-fought fight;

thou, in the darkness drear, their one true light.

Alleluia. Alleluia."

I am not really a candle person.  I don't like too much foo-foo in liturgy.  I had resisted the suggestion that we light candles for each departed soul....for 7 years.  I finally gave in after experiencing a similar service.  Yesterday we had candles.  Lots and lots of candles.  Candles everywhere.

"Oh blest communion, fellowship divine

we feebly struggle, they in glory shine;

yet all are one in thee, for all are thine.

Alleluia.  Alleluia."

and it was beautiful.  It was meaningful for those who had someone on their hearts.  It helped them along the path of grief.  Young children remembered their grandmother and great-grandfather.  I am glad we did it.  I am sorry I resisted for so long.

"But then there breaks a yet more glorious day;

the saints triumphant rise in bright array;

the King of glory passes on his way.

Alleluia.  Alleluia."

I had forgotten the cardinal rule of grief: everyone does it their own way, finding a path through the fog of loss one step at a time.  That was how it worked for me.....only without the candles.  But yesterdaay so many people were touched, were able to release some of that pent up love that makes their hearts hurt.  So many people wanted a concrete sign that their loved one was remembered.

"From earth's wide bounds, from ocena's farthest coast,

through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,

singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Alleluia.  Alleluia."

We will have candles next year too.  If a candle can help you lean into Jesus for comfort and the reassurance that your loved one  rests in Jesus' arms, then we need to have candles.