And when the fight is fierce, the warfare long,
Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
And hearts are brave again, and arms are strong.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
William W. How, “For All the Saints.”
We know that Christ has triumphed over death, but on this All Saints Sunday when our hearts may be breaking amidst the long warfare that is life in the weary world, it can be difficult to hear that distant triumph song.
Keep listening. Let yourself and your community acknowledge the harsh realities of loss and groan together. But be sure not to let the disheartened groaning of grief drown out the sweet song to be heard on the distant breeze, celebrating Christ’s victory for us. For even in great sorrow, through him our hearts are brave again, and arms are strong.
