Issues, Etc. Looking Forward to Sunday Morning (1 Year Lectionary): All Saints Day – Pr. Peter Bender, 10/30/25 (3035, Encore)
Oct 30, 2025
Pastor Peter Bender, the director of the Concordia Catechetical Academy, dives deep into All Saints Day and its rich history. He explores the origins of the celebration, emphasizing that saints are simply forgiven sinners. Peter discusses the importance of perseverance, resurrection, and the mystical union with Christ, providing comfort during persecution. He also highlights congregational practices of remembrance and connects scriptural themes to hymns, revealing how these elements unify the faithful across time.
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Origins And True Meaning Of All Saints
- All Saints Day traces to a 4th-century Syrian festival honoring martyrs and evolved into November 1st under Pope Gregory IV and VII.
- The festival celebrates Christ's work that makes forgiven sinners into saints, not human merit.
Remember The Faithful Departed
- Remember your congregation's faithful departed on All Saints by reading names and dates from the past year.
- Use the occasion as thanksgiving for God's sustaining grace in their lives and deaths.
Revelation Frames The Day's Comfort
- Revelation 7's vision of those who 'came out of the great tribulation' and have 'washed their robes' frames All Saints' comfort and hope.
- The robes symbolize Christ's righteousness that enables endurance under persecution.
