Remembrance

Early November has many opportunities for us to remember people and events from the past. 

On November 1st, All Saint's Day, we recall our own place with all those, living and departed, from throughout the world,  who have been faithful believers in God. What is startling at this stage in the story is that there are more Christians alive today than ever before in the 2000 years since Jesus lived and died and rose again.

On 2nd November, All Soul's Day, the focus is particularly on those who have already gone to glory. 

On 5th November, British people recall the Gunpowder Plot, when Guy Fawkes and others attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament, and the King and his counsellors.

And on this coming Sunday, 11th November, we recall those who have suffered as a result of wars.

Unless we take all this remembering seriously, we risk losing our sense of the debt we owe to those who have sacrificed and endured on our behalf. 

Jesus himself told us to make sure that we remember him, in and through what he sacrificed for us. 

St. Paul gives his account of what happened at the Last Supper. 'On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me.” (1 Corinthians 11.23-24)

Because so much depends on what Jesus achieved in his death, providing forgiveness and fresh start for broken people like us, we need to keep looking back to where it all started. 

But we also need to learn to look forward to the end of the story. 'In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this to remember me as often as you drink it.” For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again. (1 Corinthians 11.25-26) What happened outside the wall of Jerusalem, as Jesus hung and suffered there not only brings us forgiveness, but points forward to the end of time, when all wrongs will be righted and when God's love and mercy will be seen to have conquered, when 'God himself will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” (Revelation 21.4) Knowing this is how the story will end gives us courage to keep right on to the end of the road, as the song says!

So, as we remember the death and sacrifice of many brave people, we also need to focus on what Jesus has done for us. Thjs will reshape our attitude and lives for today and every day.

Best wishes,

Richard