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Sermon November 7, 2021
The Rev. Rebecca S. Myers, MSW
The Church of the Nativity and St. Stephen’s
All Saints Sunday, Year B
http://lectionarypage.net/YearB_RCL/HolyDays/AllSaints_B_RCL.html
Audio: /documents/Alabanza_
The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God,
and no torment will ever touch them. Wisdom of Solomon 3:1
Please be seated.
This past summer, I watched the movie, In the Heights. The movie is based on the Broadway musical written by Quiara Alegria Hudes, with music by Lin Manuel Miranda. It’s about a tight-knit neighborhood, largely Latino, in Washington Heights, Upper Manhattan, New York City. It’s about a neighborhood where things are changing and threaten the close and caring relationships that have been built for generations.
One of the characters is known as Abuela Claudia, who is the matriarch or grandmother of the community. She’s one of those women who looks out for everyone and who has a listening ear and great advice.
When the movie opens, there is so much excitement going on in the neighborhood and it’s summer and the heat is stifling. That night, the power goes out, so it is really warm.
Abuela Claudia has a living room full of people chatting about all kinds of things. She excuses herself to go rest awhile. When her visitors go to check on her, she has died.
In the musical, the song Alabanza is written about this scene. Let me play it for you.
Alabanza means praise right to the face of God.
This Sunday we observe All Saints Day. We remember all of those who have died, especially those who have cared for us, loved us, and guided us in the faith.
We are surrounded by photos of many of them. Some died many years ago and live deeply in our hearts. Some have died more recently and we are still getting used to living without their physical presence.
We appreciate our readings today, which comfort us. “The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them.” Our reading from Revelation speaks about all things being made new, including a world where there is no pain or mourning or crying. Our Gospel speaks about mourning – “Jesus Wept.” What a blessing. Our loved ones will not suffer. They will no longer face any challenges of this earthly life.
I want to specifically mention those in our parish who have died in the past year: Richard Price, Edna Baker, Jean Tuzinski, Anne Chappelka, and Jane Hoover. I don’t know about you, but I am still getting used to the reality that they are no longer physically with us. Their physical absence is still so fresh. There are so many reminders that they are not here with us, whether it’s the Parlor People conversations, or the coffee hour conversations, or the quiet prayer.
On this day of remembrance, their absence is keenly felt. What are we to do when there are still so many tears to cry?
We sing praises to God for their presence in our lives and for the gifts and love they gave us and left imprinted in our being.
Alabanza we say.
Repeat after me:
Alabanza Don Richard, Senor
Alabanza Dona Edna, Senor
Alabanza Dona Jean, Senor
Alabanza Dona Anne, Senor
Alabanza Dona Jane, Senor
Amen
You Tube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTNdOAhQglk
