John Weborg in an excellent...
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John Weborg in an excellent meditation on All Saints' Day in Christian Century reminds us of George Bernard Shaw's treatment of St. Joan. Shaw contemplates the remarkable rise of this young French woman to fame and a leadership role. However, the more prominent she became, she found herself rejected by the church and state and slated for execution. Eventually, however, she was declared to be a saint. For Shaw this was a demonstration of how history has treated some of its finest sons and daughters. Those good people who have done the most for their society and time are often venerated, vilified, and then venerated again.
Shaw had to ask, "When will the earth be ready for the saints?" The observance of All Saints' Day is the occasion for us to remind ourselves that we are a part of that community of the saints who should be ready for the earth which will never be ready for the saints. This is that special day on which we can boldly, audaciously, and triumphantly take note of the fact that we are a part of a larger community that transcends race and space, time and clime, war and death. It is the whole number of these people, God's people, who give witness to the reality of what God has done and continues to do in the earth.
Shaw had to ask, "When will the earth be ready for the saints?" The observance of All Saints' Day is the occasion for us to remind ourselves that we are a part of that community of the saints who should be ready for the earth which will never be ready for the saints. This is that special day on which we can boldly, audaciously, and triumphantly take note of the fact that we are a part of a larger community that transcends race and space, time and clime, war and death. It is the whole number of these people, God's people, who give witness to the reality of what God has done and continues to do in the earth.
