For all the saints...

Last summer I had the opportunity to visit Ravenna in northern Italy and to see their famous Byzantine mosaics. One of the highlights was going to the Basilica of San Apollinaire Nuovo. 

This beautiful 5C. Church is lined with shimmering golden mosaics of the Saints. Near the altar is an image of Christ in the arms of Mary, flanked by angels. Beside them the three wise men bow down offering their gifts. Behind them stretches a long line of saints and martyrs robed in white that extends the full length of the Church. And it is this procession which we celebrate today.

Without these saints, we would not be here today. There is St Peter who always seemed to get it wrong but who led the Early Church. Mary Magdalene who ran to tell the Apostles the Good News on Easter Day. Stephen, the first to die for the faith. Paul who brought the good news to the gentiles. St George and countless others who died in defence of a persecuted minority religion. Augustine of North Africa who clarified the faith in the melting pot of Greek religions. Patrick and Columba who brought the good news to these shores. Augustine, the first Archbishop of Canterbury.

Catherine of Sienna, Julian of Norwich and Teresa of Avila, overwhelmed by the love of God. Francis and Clare who renewed the Church when it’s faith had grown cold. Cranmer and Ridley martyred during the Reformation. Nicholas Ferrar and George Herbert living quiet lives of holiness in rural parishes. Wesley and Newman leading revivals in the Victorian Church. Octavia Hill and Lord Shaftesbury, reaching into the slums of south London. Bonheoffer, Martin Luther King, Oscar Romero and Mother Theresa who have shown us the cost of faith in our own times. All of these have their place in that procession and we should give thanks for them this morning. 

But behind them stand others. Maybe not as tall but in that same procession nevertheless. They are those who brought us to baptism, taught us the faith and encouraged us along the way- possibly more by their lives than their words. They also include those who have worshiped and served in this Church some of whom are named on the churchwarden and vicars board by the door. And for these too we should give thanks this morning.

But this great procession stretches yet further. For behind them stand others. Others saints who seem a little confused. Saints who are dressed in their white baptismal robes yet sometimes wander from this procession.

These, it seems, are a work in progress. Saints in the refining who cannot quite believe that they should be called children of God- and yet that is what they are. This slightly rag tag end of the procession come in all shapes and sizes, from every language and nation. And if you want to know what this strange bunch look like, at the end of this mighty procession, you need do nothing more than look around you this morning.  Amen.