Nobody has ever referred to me as Saint Spencer, but perhaps they should. Not because I am so obviously “saintly.” Saint Paul, the apostle referred to all believers as saints. It was later in the churches life where “saint” came to designate the heroines and heroes of the faith or those Christians whose lives were most full of the heavenly virtues. The idea that simple folk could be thought of as saints became more dim in much of the churches’ memory. All Saints Day, November 1 and All Saints Sunday (this year, November 6) recognize this more universal meaning for saints. When in the service we remember those who have passed away we especially honor those believers who have gone before us, but we do more as well, we recognize that it is we saints who remember those saints who have gone to their eternal rest. We mean to be like them and live out our faith as God’s saints in this world. Our Lord Jesus and his faithful followers throughout the ages are our examples until we come to our eternal rest. So come Lord Jesus and gather your saints home for as long as this world lasts.