Welcome to the month of November. November is known for many things. The Anglo Saxons called November: “Wind-monath”, because it was the time when cold winds blow. The first week of November has always been a time of festivals and celebrations as we mark the end of harvest and beginning of winter. All of which it seems to me to have relevance among our rural communities, villages and farms.
On the first day of November, we celebrate the Christian feast of “All Saints Day”. It is an opportunity for all to remember all saints and martyrs, known and unknown, throughout history.
I hear the question asked whether any saints exist within the Claydons and local villages? Well yes. Permit me to share a few. I believe our saints are the NHS service staff who provide daily healthcare support to our villages. They undertake their work with much passion, dignity and care. Our schools are another one, who have a challenging task of preparing our children educationally and ultimately for adulthood. Often this is against the background of challenging finances, children with special needs, working with other professional bodies and inspections. Our families, parents (and single parents), the elderly too all need mentioning too. Our parish councils, East Claydon and Steeple Claydon, which support the local fabric of our communities and local amenities. Our patron, the Verney Family and other benefactors, for the historical charitable work undertaken here and in surrounding areas. We cannot also forget the essential services of our post office, retailers, newsletter editor, local businesses, emergency services (Police and Fire service) and, of course, our church communities, local charities and community groups.
Using the words of Betty Smith, I believe a saint is someone who looks at everything as though he or she were seeing it for the first time or the last time. Then their time on earth will be filled with glory. The fifth chapter of Matthew’s Gospel says: “God blesses those whose hearts are pure for they will see God”.
Seeing things for the first time or in a different light invites a new perspective. The small things which didn’t matter beforehand now become important. The larger things of which we attached greater importance no longer matters. This is because we sense things with a new purpose which drives us towards right behaviours. We become other person centred with an empowered sense of commitment to do good and help others. Love God and Others (our neighbours). You may already be reflecting these characteristics without knowing it. If so, let me take the opportunity to thank you, our saints, for your work. And why don’t we do the same with generosity for our local saints. A “thankyou” with a smile goes a long way and makes someone’s day.
Let’s keep on showing generosity and love to our neighbours, those who really matter as we reflect on the words of Sorin Cerin: “Saints are those who managed to love more than we did” (Wisdom Collection: The Book of Wisdom)
With every blessings and peace
Reverend Rickey Simpson-Gray
Parish of the Claydons