T.S. Eliot in Murder in the Cathedral has a very telling phrase, it runs, 'As golden October declined into sombre November.' And November is sombre, sombre not just because the clocks have gone back and there is more darkness around, not just because of the onset of winter and the trees being denuded of leaves, but also sombre as a month of remembrance. The 11th of this month is Armistice Day and the 2nd Sunday, Remembrance Day when we pause to reflect on those who have died in war and conflict down through the years.
For the Church too, it is a time of remembering; we remember the Holy Souls: those whom we have loved and who have died. On the first Sunday of November a goodly number gathered in St. Clare's to remember and pray for those who had died. Invitations had been sent to the families of those who had died in the last 12 months but everyone was welcome to come and remember and pray God's mercy upon our lost loved ones.
As people arrived they were invited to write the names of their loved ones on sheets of paper which were brought forward during the Service and placed under the crucifix. The congregation lit candles and placed them before the crucifix in remembrance of those they had come to honour.
A short Service of Prayers, Hymns and Readings interspersed with silence gave us the opportunity to pray for our dead, 'A holy and wholesome thought,' according to Judas Maccabeaus in the Book of the Maccabees.
Eternal rest give unto them O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.
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