Faithful Conversations #88
Introduction to Readers:
The Wittenberg Castle Church
There are moments in history that send shock waves into the future. 507 years ago this week, on October 31, 1517—All Hallows’ Eve—Martin Luther, in a bold and strategic move, posted his 95 Theses on the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church. The next morning — All Saints’ Day — local parishioners were greeted by Luther’s wide-ranging protest against church practices he deemed unbiblical as they gathered for Mass. Among other things, he challenged the sale of indulgences and the theology behind them, including the notion of purgatory and All Souls’ Day (the next day). As he painstakingly studied the scriptures, this monk of the Augustinian Order, argued that salvation came through faith in Christ alone (sola fide), and upon death, souls go directly to eternal life or separation from God, without an intermediate state. This bold act followed by a confluence of several historical forces, sparked the Protestant Reformation, a profound rupture within western Christianity.
Carol Johnson Wambheim
(1928-2024)
As spiritual descendants of Luther and other reformers, it’s important to remember that, despite our differences, we still share beliefs and traditions with our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters, including the celebration of All Saints’ Day this week. Profound in meaning, we remind ourselves of this beautiful tradition each Sunday in the words of the Apostle’s Creed. Indeed, we are surrounded by the “Communion of Saints” in our daily walk. This has special meaning for me and my family this week owing to the death of our Aunt Carol, an inspirational individual and faith mentor! At age 96, she was the last link to my parent’s generation and her passing brings that odd mixture of deep sadness and joy that resurrection people experience when a family member dies. She joins the cloud of witnesses mentioned in Hebrews, surrounding us — encouraging us — as we await Christ’s return (sidebar: the word encourage literally means to strengthen the heart and grow in courage!). Spend some time this week reflecting on the saints who live on and encourage your hearts!
Once again, thanks for visiting this space each week and may we continue to inspire each other as we grapple with the scriptures. Again, I listed the readings designated for Pentecost 24 but realize that we follow the All Saints lection. My reflections will highlight the second reading from Revelation 21 with connections drawn to Psalm 24. And finally, this week’s blog is dedicated to my Aunt Carol.
All Saints Sunday Readings
Isaiah 25: 6-9
Psalm 24
Revelation 21: 1-6a
John 11: 32-44
Psalm 119: 1-8
Hebrews 9: 11-14
Mark 12: 28-34
1 The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it,
the world, and those who live in it,
2 for he has founded it on the seas
and established it on the rivers.
3 Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
And who shall stand in his holy place?
4 Those who have clean hands and pure hearts,
who do not lift up their souls to what is false
and do not swear deceitfully.
5 They will receive blessing from the Lord
and vindication from the God of their salvation.
6 Such is the company of those who seek him,
who seek the face of the God of Jacob.[a] Selah
7 Lift up your heads, O gates!
and be lifted up, O ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in!
8 Who is the King of glory?
The Lord, strong and mighty,
the Lord, mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O gates!
and be lifted up, O ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in!
10 Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts,
he is the King of glory. Selah
The Second Reading: Revelation 21: 1-6a: The New Heaven and the New Earth
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,
See, the home of God is among mortals.
He will dwell with them;
they will be his peoples,
and God himself will be with them and be their God;
4 he will wipe every tear from their eyes.
Death will be no more;
mourning and crying and pain will be no more,
for the first things have passed away.
5 And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6 Then he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life.
Reflection: “Simul Justus et peccator”
Growing up steeped in Lutheranism, the book of Revelation was always presented as being “interesting” in a mysterious kind of way, but not central for us. Part of this, I believe, came from the fact that other denominations, especially those with a literalist bent, relied on it as a predictor of the “end times,” and we were discouraged from such interpretations. **That said, this week’s passage flips the script a bit and prompts me to think about the Kingdom of Heaven in a new way (I need to explore this further, but consider this a start). God and heaven are not “out there” somewhere both in time and space, but rather are here and now among us (verse 3). This idea is mirrored in Psalm 24: 7-10 as well. This squares with the Christian notion of simultaneously walking in two worlds, the temporal and the eternal.
“Heaven on Earth”
Natural Heritage Site
Thailand
And that brings us to All Saints Day. In his commentary on Romans (his favorite book), Martin Luther gave voice to one of the bedrocks of Lutheranism, that in our Christian journey, we are both sinner and saint. (Luther wrote and delivered lectures in Latin and the phrase Simul Justus et Peccator is how he would have said it). Our faith in Jesus Christ means our salvation has been decided once and for all. Nevertheless, we continue to navigate a broken world that snares us into sin, a continual reminder of our need for daily repentance. In a liberating act of love, God has enabled us to catch glimpses of heaven in our midst that surprise and encourage us — experiences and people that affirm God’s presence here and now. Let’s look for those this week and share them with those around us!
Soli Deo Gloria!a prayer Reflection: “Crazy quilt” (Jane wilson Joyce)
Note: One week out from our elections, I am praying for our nation to regain a sense of unity. Beyond praying about that, let’s work for it! Though written in 1984, this poem jumped out at me this week and speaks to our times. It also reminded me of our incredible quilting group at ELC!
The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia
is cracked. California is splitting
off. There is no East or West, no rhyme,
no reason to it. We are scattered.
Dear Lord, lest we all be somewhere
else, patch this work. Quilt us
together, feather-stitching piece
by piece our tag-ends of living,
our individual scraps of love.
Jane Wilson Joyce (PhD University of Texas, Austin) retired in 2012 as Luellen Professor Emerita of Classics at Centre College in Kentucky. This poem comes from her book The Quilt Poems (1984).
And, enjoy this beautiful version of “Sine Nominee” — For All the Saints. This is an organ version from All Saints Church in Oystermouth Swansea (South Wales).
please note: we will resume our in-person discussion of the lectionary on sunday 3 november! all are welcome! also, be listening for an upcoming adult education opportunity related to a study of dietrich bonhoeffer!
The Past is a Foreign Country 
My condolences to you Paul and your family on the passing of your dear Aunt Carol.
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Thanks Ellen! She was 96 and sharp until the end. Amazing.
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