Yes, isn't it wonderful?

ARCHBISHOP G. O. Simms was asked the question: "Are you saved?" He, who was well schooled in a lifetime of faithful prayer, spoke of his delight in God's saving power. He replied "Yes" and added: "Isn't it wonderful?" His answer spoke volumes about the effect of devotion and prayer on a life. He enjoyed God.

This week, on All Saints' Day (November 1st), we are thinking of belief in the Communion of Saints and praying for its strengthening. Naturally, those who have been bereaved will be in our thoughts. In biddings to pray at Christmas, the loving link with those in the unseen world is given priority. "We remember before God all those who rejoice with us, but on another shore and in a greater light: that multitude which no one can number, whose hope was in the Word made flesh, and with whom, in this Lord Jesus, we for evermore are one.

Such faith does inspire gratitude and the response: "Yes . . . isn't it wonderful".

As we think of the companionship of believers in all space and time, we find ourselves relishing the link of love as an essential fact of life rather than a remote possibility. When the message of All Saints Day takes command and becomes a reality, the Saints step out from their stained glass windows; the faithful loved ones come to us again as our companions.

"Yes . . . isn't it wonderful" to be given that confidence that at any moment we are aware of them as they ale of us? That increasing awareness of being in communion with God, and knit to believers here or in the hereafter, is achieved by God's Holy Spirit.

A dwelling on the readings for All Saints' Day can inspire conviction, and the remark: "Isn't this wonderful?" In the Epistle, the writer valuing the practice of looking at faith and retrospect recalls past, heroic lives of faith. We then share with him in a glorious outburst of wonderful assurance (Hebrews 12, verses 1 and 2): "Wherefore seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses let us run with patience the race that is set before us . . . looking unto Jesus."

Jesus is both the source and goal of that wonderful faith we enjoy on All Saints' Day. Not only does He prepare a place for us. He gives us the unspeakable joy of knowing He is knitting the faithful together now.