by Victoria Heinecke

Remembering those who came before us.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

I once said, paraphrasing Phillipians 3:4-7, that I was raised “a Catholic’s Catholic.” Our family went to church almost every Sunday, and I received five of the seven sacraments of the Catholic church. Reaching the faith milestones of Baptism, Penance and First Communion, Confirmation, and Marriage were as important from a faith perspective as a cultural rite of passage.

Sometimes I wonder if I received those sacraments because I was ready to affirm my faith, or if it was because it was a milestone? In most cases, I would say the latter. It was a time to celebrate.

Those milestones also prepared my heart and soul for life’s challenges.

“I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, … As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother (Anne) and your mother (Joanna) and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.”
2 Timothy 1:3a, 4-5 English Standard Version (ESV)

These three women – Grandma Anne, Aunt Pat, and my mother Joanna – had many challenges through life. Grandma married when she was young and raised four children during the Great Depression. Mom and Pat learned early in life not to take necessities such as food and clothing for granted.

Their lives weren’t perfect, but their faith was their strength through the peaks and valleys of life. Mom copied the poem “Footprints” by hand at the time this photo was taken. Knowing that the doctors could do no more to treat her cancer, she ran to her Lord and Savior, and in large letters on that poem she wrote “… THAT’S WHEN I CARRIED YOU.”

This picture was taken the last day they were together in the Church Militant, two days after my wedding. Today they are all in Heaven with Christ Jesus.

As we celebrate All Saints Day, we remember those who have gone to the Church Triumphant – to eternal joy in Heaven. We can remember our friends as well as family – and what a blessing when they’re both! Let’s remember their faith in Jesus and their hope in the Resurrection.

“The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”
2 Timothy 4:18 ESV

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado