Worship and Arts by Young

                                 A Harvest of Saints

As we approach the All Saints Sunday, I have thought about a harvest of life, thinking of saints who have gone ahead of us, in particular my friend.

There are seasons–planting, watering, growing, bearing fruit, and returning to the soil. Like the earth with its seasons, we as human live out a cycle of life–birth, baptism, growth along with joyful and sorrowful times, and death.

For us, death is not the end; it is only a point of passing on, a transition to new life with God. Life is changed, not taken away.  Through our Baptism with the Word and promise of God, we may walk in newness of life after this earthly life is done.  It is indescribable what the new life would be, but we have a glimpse of the new life through “the river of life” described in the book of Revelation 22.

My friend Barb, a graduate of Concordia University Chicago, finished her journey in October 2012, leaving a big void in the hearts of many.  She influenced so many people through teaching, singing, and ringing, serving the needy, and giving thanks to God for every moment, while she battled cancer for her last five years.  She put others’ needs first to share Christ’s love. I couldn’t count how many times I thanked God in my prayers because of her faithful service.  The journey she took was not alone but with others as one in Christ.

I also would like to recognize saints who are among us, in particular my parents. My parents’ commitment to putting God first and sharing Christ’s love shaped who I am.  My beautiful memories of my earliest faith journey include practicing music during Advent season, reciting Bible verses by heart before eating breakfast, participating in family singing competitions, and family worship every single night. Regarding sharing Christ’s love, I cannot put into words enough how compassionate my parents were for the needy! When I grew up, it was hard to remember when we had no guest at home because my mother invited the poor whom she met on the street. I thank God for my parent’s faithful service.

Their faithful services have reminded me of people at Our Savior Lutheran, First Lutheran & Immanuel Lutheran who have been faithful to accomplish God’s work through their hands, sharing their time and gifts in various ministries.  I thank God for them in this prayer:

Eternal God, you have promised that death will not have the final word; you remind us that we have an eternal future that is ours in Christ Jesus through our Baptism. As we saints take our pilgrimage together, we ask you in this prayer to show us the path where we should walk. Teach us to be humble servants.  Empower us so we may bear more fruit and hear from you, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”  Amen.

Who has influenced your lives through modeling?  Give thanks to God for them.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Young Chung, Interim Ministry Associate at Immanuel Lutheran, Wadena. MN