October 31, 2025

One of my all-time favorite pieces of writing is from Bishop Steven Charleston, offered several years ago, for the occasion of the Feast of All Saints:

Can you hear them?

Suddenly all my ancestors are behind me.

"Be still" they say, "Watch and listen.

You are the result of the love of thousands."

Can you hear them?

Can you hear them as they pass by?

Can you feel them standing just beside you?

They are the ones who have gone before, saints who have touched our lives.

They are the family to which we belong, ancient and never ending.

Our ancestors watch over us, their constant vigil keeping.

Their wisdom surrounds us.

Their healing a river through channels of time.

Can you hear them? They speak of a love they have seen, love beyond imagining,

love that holds us safe, until we rise to meet them.

Be still, they say. Watch and listen. I love the idea that the veil between this life and the next is not a wall, but a doorway. I love the idea that when we listen deeply, we hear encouragement and wisdom from the ancestors. I love that they are teaching us to trust what is unseen by our eyes, but known by our hearts.

Their healing a river through the channels of time. I love the idea of our ancestors reminding us that what feels broken can be mended. That their steady presence moves through time - flowing through us, watering roots beneath the soil, teaching us to endure, to reach for one another, and to look deep for support when we struggle.

They speak of...a love that holds us safe, until we rise to meet them. I love the reminder that we, too, are part of an unbroken circle of life and love, and that one day we will be welcomed by their embrace.

These days are difficult in our common life. My heart breaks a dozen times a day lately. Parents gone from their children, not enough food on tables, broken systems and structures, turmoil and division out of control. And yet, the ancestors are near, reminding us that endurance and love are in our bones.

I can't wait to speak their names and celebrate their lives with you on Sunday. My prayer for all of us is that what the ancestors began in courage, we will continue in hope.