For All the Saints

1. For all the saints, who from their labours rest,
Who Thee by faith before the world confessed,
Thy Name, O Jesus, be forever blessed.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

The first time I experienced “For All the Saints”, I felt the hymn before I heard it. The first note of the music is a deep bass note – more like a sonic “pulse” of the organ than simply music – and it resonated from the stone floor through my legs and torso into my heart, mind, and spirit. The Sanctuary came alive with sound – and the song we sang (one I had never heard before) has shaped my ministry ever since.

2. Thou wast their Rock, their Fortress and their Might;
Thou, Lord, their Captain in the well fought fight;
Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true Light.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

Chuck’s faith, like Chuck’s life had always been understated. Profoundly real and active but quiet. He was not the “Captain”, but he clearly knew Him and followed Him.

6. O blest communion, fellowship divine!
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
All are one in Thee, for all are Thine.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

On All Saints’ Day, we remember not only the faith of those who have gone before us, but the remarkable truth: “All are one in Thee, for all are Thine.” On All Saints’ Day 2011, I traveled to Alabama to celebrate God’s gift of Zachary and the love shared by family and friends.

7. O may Thy soldiers, faithful, true and bold,
Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old,
And win with them the victor’s crown of gold.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

On All Saints’ Day, we ask God to bless us – “Thy Soldiers” – as we strive in the face of challenges to give evidence of the Kingdom “which the Father has prepared” for us.

8. And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long,
Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
And hearts are brave again, and arms are strong.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

It is hard to fully imagine the struggles which Zachary and his family faced -- but what a joy it is to sing with him “And hearts are brave again, and arms are strong. Alleluia!”

11. From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast,
Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
And singing to Father, Son and Holy Ghost:
Alleluia, Alleluia!

[Grateful thanks to God and to former Anglican Bishop William Walsham How (1823-1897) for this amazing hymn text; and to Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) for a profoundly stirring hymn tune and arrangement.]