For all the Saints, who from their labor rest.

Today's reading from the apocryphal book of 2 Esdras 2:42-47

42 I, Ezra, saw on Mount Zion a great multitude that I could not number, and they all were praising the Lord with songs. 43 In their midst was a young man of great stature, taller than any of the others, and on the head of each of them he placed a crown, . . . 44 Then I asked an angel, ‘Who are these, my lord?’ 45 He answered, ‘These are they who have put off mortal clothing and have put on the immortal, and have confessed the name of God. . . 46 Then I said to the angel, ‘Who is that young man who is placing crowns on them and putting palms in their hands?’ 47 He said to me, ‘He is the Son of God, whom they confessed in the world.’ So I began to praise those who had stood valiantly for the name of the Lord.  

Today is All Saints - a day of remembrance for those who have died. We remember especially those saints that have pointed the way for the church, but we also remember our local saints - our family and friends who have passed on during the year.  As we think about their lives, and about their impact on our lives, the vision of Ezra is a blessing to think that they are honored and we will see them again.  If you are in Alvin this evening, join us for a service of remembrance at Grace Episcopal Church at 7:00 pm.