November is the season of remembrance. It begins on November 1st with All Saints’ Day. November 2nd is the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed. Then the second Sunday of November is Remembrance Sunday when we think of those who have laid down their lives in the service of our country and this year we have our Memorial Service in the afternoon on the same Sunday. At this we remember members of the parish who have died in the last six months.
Most of us can look back on the life of someone who has been very special to us, a parent, a husband or wife, a close friend or even a child. It is good that we should be able to remember them and give thanks for the part that they have played in our lives. In particular on Remembrance Day we honour those who laid down their lives for the sake of others.
The Church has always honoured those witnesses to the Christian faith who died for the Lord. (The Greek word for "witness" is martyr.) At various times in the last 2000 years Christians have been severely persecuted, often suffering torture and bloody death -- because they were faithful. They refused to deny Christ, even when this denial might have saved their own lives, or the lives of their children and families.
Whilst we honour those who have lived exceptionally godly lives we also remember that The New Testament teaches that all Christians are called to be saints. St Paul wrote to several churches and he addressed their members as ‘saints’. He did not mean a special few, but all God’s people! It is good to be able to look back and remember those who by their lives have left us an example to follow, but we need also to remember that we have been called to be the saints in Conisbrough. May our lives become an example that others will want to follow.
May God bless you and be with you all.
Alan.
Update on the damage to the Church