(The sermon for All Saints’ Sunday takes the form of a dialogue. At least two voices are required and more can certainly be employed.)

Introduction:

The festivals of the church year - occasions to contemplate and celebrate the divine mysteries. Both ingredients are essential. Churchly celebration without contemplation can be form without substance, a liturgical extravaganza for who-knows-what reason. By the same token, contemplation without celebration can leave us sitting cadaverous in the stone-cold tomb, reluctant to come out and partake of the resurrection feast!

This is particularly true of All Saints’ Day, a festival which has, since the Reformation at least, suffered from something like a lack of focus. Is it a day to remember and give thanks for the saints in light, those who ha…