In the opening chapters of the prophet Isaiah, we read “Come let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the Temple of our God”. This “us” is inclusive of all the nations, called to participate in a great procession of humanity, walking in step in the light of the Lord. It is a magnificent image, one which in a real way is evoked by our gathering here today to begin our new identity as the parish of All Saints, West Nottingham. Images are important for us because they convey meaning through sign and symbol. The image that was on the overhead screen as we came into this Hall was just one artist’s (Fra Angelico) portrayal of the communion of saints on the move towards that great goal of the heavenly Jerusalem, but its just one image and today, I think we should make an attempt at combining the two realities we are celebrating to see what sign and symbol they create.
Advent and All Saints, can they resonate? Do they resonate? Yes, they can and together they produce a powerful witness of the hope that springs eternal in the Christian message. Advent is the season of the Church which begins its new year. We look forward to the coming of Christ, not just as the infant in the manger at Christmas, but also as the Risen Lord who will come in glory at the end of time. Our hope is affirmed in this message. The story continues to unfold before us as we live the gospel in our every day lives. The life of Jesus becomes the pattern for our lives as we respond to his call and take up the challenge which he offers us from birth to death and beyond. Of course, the saints inspire and help us. Our three patrons are magnificent examples of this. St Teresa who lived to express the love of God in all things. St Thomas More whose faith was steadfast during a period of great political and religious upheaval, and St Hugh who was a pastor of deep compassion and steely resilience in times of change and re-organisation. What great models they are for our new parish of All Saints, as we begin this new phase of our Christian vocation of mission and outreach.
Perhaps we could set up a prayer space in each of our churches and dedicate it to these three saints to remind us of our unity together. We could create a special prayer invoking their intercession to help, guide and encourage us in our new project. We could have it on display, easily accessible to be read as we contemplate the work we are called to undertake. Wouldn’t that be a truly appropriate sign and symbol for this day of celebration?
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