Pr. Jon Niketh, preaching

Of all three years of the lectionary cycle, this year’s All Saints readings have the most tears. Isaiah and Revelation look forward to the day when God will wipe away all tears; in John’s gospel, Jesus weeps along with Mary and all the gathered mourners before he demonstrates his power over death. On All Saints Day we celebrate the victory won for all the faithful dead, but we grieve for our beloved dead as well, knowing that God honors our tears. We bring our grief to the table and find there a foretaste of Isaiah’s feast to come.

Isaiah 25:6-9

The banquet of the Lord

Psalm 24

They shall receive blessing from the God of their salvation. (Ps. 24:5)

Revelation 21:1-6a

A new heaven and a new earth

John 11:32-44

The raising of Lazarus