A Sermon by The Reverend Alice Marcrum,

LC, Sunday After All Saints Day, November 4th, 2007

Today is an historic moment in the life of our family here at St. Raphael’s, because today is the installation of St. Raphael’s first chapter of the Daughters of the King. It is fitting that this momentous occasion happens on the Sunday in which we also celebrate All Saints Day.  All Saints Day has a special meaning for Daughters of the King. It is usually set aside as a time of reflection and prayer or as we daughters like to call it – a Quiet Day. This is a time when we reflect on our calling to be Christ’s witnesses here on earth, knowing that we are not alone in this endeavor; for we are surrounded by the communion of saints both on earth and in heaven.

As members of this Holy Communion, the Daughters and all members in the Body of Christ are joined together through Christ our Lord and sustained in Him through the power of the Holy Spirit. So why is it so special to be a Daughter of the King? Are not the vows we take, vows that every member in Christ is called to live? Yes, we are all called to prayer, service and personal evangelism, but for the Daughters it is a deeper calling of daily commitment to Christ. Each moment on earth is seen as an opportunity in which to further the Kingdom of God; whether that opportunity yields itself to that of prayer, service or evangelism. As Daughters we are committing our lives to live under a discipline of a Rule of Life.

Although we remain in the world, not cloistering away from the world, we are constantly reminded that we are not of this world. We are Daughters of the King of Kings. For us there is no other means of salvation than Jesus our Beloved and we serve Him by serving others. The only outward sign of our Order is the cross of the Daughters of the King, on which is written in Latin our watchword meaning, “With heart, mind and spirit uphold and bear the cross.”

Years ago, when I was going to seminary, I rode the ‘L’ from Chicago to Evanston. As was my custom in those days, before I was ordained, I wore my Daughter’s cross daily. It was a wonderful tool for sharing Christ with others, even with strangers on my commute.  People would ask me about my cross, commenting that it was beautiful and unusual. This was the opening I needed to share the love of Christ with others.

My Daughters’ cross was also a reminder that this Holy Order is worldwide. For not only did I meet other daughters in the States through the wearing of our emblem, but also at York Minster, in York, England, at a Sunday morning worship service. The woman in front of me turned around to pass the peace and we immediately recognized each other’s cross. What would have been a simple handshake became a loving embrace and joy in meeting another sister of the same Holy Order.

Now as the Rector of St. Raphael’s, I embrace with joy my new sisters in the Holy Order of the Daughters of the King. Even though we were sisters in Christ before this service, afterwards we will also be sisters under the same holy vows. As Rector, I covet the prayers of all the members of St. Raphael’s, but I must confess that it is a comfort for me to know that the ministry here at St. Raphael’s is now backed up by the committed prayers of the Daughters of the King. The spiritual impact of the prayers of the Daughters for this parish and this community will be vital in ushering in a revival of the hearts of all Christians on this island. The personal evangelism of the Daughters will be used by our Lord in witnessing to those who need to know the Love of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Although you may believe that you are far too few to have any impact, you are surrounded by a great company of witnesses both of saints and angels. These witnesses are rejoicing today over the spiritual commitments that each of you is taking. They are also constantly available to help you in your spiritual journey as you seek to fulfill your promises of this day to further Christ’s Kingdom on earth.

Remember the motto of our order is ‘For His Sake’. No longer will you live a life of your own, because after you take these holy vows your lives will belong completely to Jesus the Christ. All that you do will be done for His Sake and He alone will receive all glory for your service to Him.  This is the meaning of the Daughters’ Prayer:

For His Sake, I am but one, but I am one.

I cannot do everything, but I can do something.
What I can do, I ought to do.
What I ought to do, by the grace of God I will do.
Lord, what will you have me do?

Whatever and wherever the Lord leads you in your ministry, may you know the peace of Christ in each moment of your life.  Not the peace that the world gives and knows, but the peace that only our Lord can give. Knowing that all things work together for good for those who love the Lord and follow His commandments; walk daily in His love and then you will know His peace.

As for all of us who are in Christ Jesus, on this Day when we remember the saints, who have lived and died in Christ, may we too be comforted in also knowing the peace that passes all understanding. Especially when our lives seem barren and we ourselves forsaken by others; it is our comfort to know that we are not alone. Instead, we are surrounded by the communion of saints and angels, who although they are unseen by us; they continually intercede for us through prayer and spiritual warfare.

For all things that come from God are first won in the heavens through the prayers of all the saints, both seen and unseen and through the spiritual battles waged against the Darkness by the Angels of Light. The author Scott Hahn writes about this warfare in his book The Lamb’s Supper. In it he states, “St. Michael the Archangel, heaven’s fiercest warrior, is our untiring and unbeatable ally.  All the saints in heaven constantly call to almighty God for our vindication. And—most encouraging of all—in the end we win!”