Rev. Erik Swanson
November 1, 2026
Once a year, we take time to remember the saints who have gone before us and those who continue to inspire us in our own lives. I believe the saints have much to teach us about living faithfully, staying connected to Spirit, and embodying God’s love in the world. I came to appreciate their stories later in life, and I sometimes wish I had discovered them sooner. Their lives remind me that ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary things when they allow God to guide and shape them. I look to them not as people to compare myself with, but as sources of inspiration for my own faith journey.
The Beatitudes – A Powerful Picture Of Faithful Life
The Beatitudes, found in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, offer a powerful picture of what a faithful life looks like. Jesus blesses the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, and the peacemakers. These values stand in sharp contrast to what our culture often celebrates: wealth, power, domination, and success at the expense of others. The ways of God invite me to reconsider what truly matters and how I want to live.
Encouragement In The Saints
When I feel anxious about the state of our world or the uncertainty of political events, I find encouragement in the saints. They often faced tremendous difficulties and could not control the world around them. What they could control was how they lived, what they believed, and where they turned for strength and courage. Their example challenges me to remain grounded in God, to act with humility and dignity, and to treat even those with whom I disagree with compassion and understanding.
Salt And Light
Jesus follows the Beatitudes by calling us the salt of the earth and the light of the world. I understand this as a call to embody these blessings in ways that preserve what is good, bring hope, and illuminate a better path for humanity. Our faith is not meant to remain private or hidden. It should shape how we treat others, how we respond to injustice, and how we participate in the life of our communities.
Faith Requires Speaking Up
The saints also remind me that faith sometimes requires speaking up. I believe we are called to stand for compassion, grace, inclusion, understanding, and peace, even when doing so is difficult. This does not mean condemning others or forcing our beliefs upon them. Instead, I can speak through everyday conversations, relationships, community involvement, voting, and contacting elected officials. I can find my own authentic way to make my voice heard.
Spirituality Is Caught, Not Taught
Ultimately, I believe the most powerful spirituality is not taught so much as caught. People are drawn to faith when they see it embodied in the lives of others. I want my actions to reflect the love I have experienced, the grace I have received, and the compassion I hope to extend to others. I want to be among the meek, the merciful, the seekers of righteousness, and the peacemakers.
Can We Be Saints In Our Own Time?
The question I must continually ask myself is whether I am willing to live these teachings, especially when the world feels overwhelming. Can I be a saint in my own time — not through extraordinary accomplishments, but through everyday faithfulness? Can I be salt and light, allowing God’s love to shine through me?
And as I reflect on all of this, I return to one final question: Where does the veil get thin for me? Where do I most clearly experience the presence of Spirit, the nearness of God, and the wonder of a life shaped by love?