“For all the saints, who from their labors rest,

Who Thee by faith before the world confessed,

Thy Name, O Jesus, be forever blest.

Alleluia, Alleluia!”

These words, from Archbishop William How’s 1864 hymn, “For All the Saints”, will begin worship for many Christians this weekend. November 1st is the day we remember those who have died, especially in the past year. This marks a solemn occasion where names are read and candles lit. This day churns memories and emotions as we once again confront loss and pain.  

This day comforts as well as it is a day of remembrance. Remembering a loved one is rarely a bad action. Remembering gives worth and value to our loved ones’ lives. It also acknowledges the grief that we who remain may continue to bear.  

For Christians, this is also a day of hope and promise. Our faith leads us to echo St. Paul’s words, “that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38) 

We are not separate from God’s love in the midst of grief. And our loved ones are not outside of God’s care.  

Grief is not only focused upon the loss of life, but also the losses that we accumulate. Lost relationships and jobs, lost possessions and dreams also take their toll from us. This year of pandemic losses has affected all.  

Do not discount the grief that you or others carry. Decades ago, the stages of grief were identified as denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. Layer on top of that the continued stresses of the coronavirus and we recognize a bleak and difficult time. The best we can do is take care of ourselves physically, mentally, spiritually and support our neighbors. 

We can also recognize God’s presence with us at this moment and cling to the promise that God is with us. Archbishop How ends each of the eleven stanzas to the hymn with a resounding “Alleluia!” He is pointing to the resurrection of Jesus and the one awaiting us as well.

— Reflections appears regularly on the religion page. The column features a variety of local writers, coordinated through the Monroe Area Clergy Group. John Tabaka is pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Monroe.