They are in us, those long departed ones.
They are in our inclinations, our moral burdens, our pulsing blood,
and in the gestures that arise from the depths of time.
(Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters to a Young Poet)
Many religious and indigenous communities honor the ancestors who shaped and formed their beliefs and rituals. Christians honor their central ancestor, Jesus, and also remember those whose lives were shaped by his teachings. We do so each time we celebrate Eucharist with the naming of individuals in the Eucharistic Canon. In particular, on the Feast of All Saints, we pay homage to the canonized saints. In doing so, we are meant to be renewed and re-inspired in our journey of spiritual transformation. However, we need not limit this feast to only those recognized for their holiness by the official church. Numerous women and men who have gone before us are sources of encouragement by the way they lived as persons of strong faith and great love. Let us recall the strength of these persons today and give thanks.
Leader
In the spirit of indigenous people who believe in their unity with the ancestors, and who often call these spirits forth into their gatherings, let us call forth into our midst the presence, the memory, and the strength of those who influenced and shaped our beliefs and values.
Prayer
Spirit of our ancestors,
this day we join in acknowledging the blessedness
of the many who inspired us and shaped our faith.
We turn in memory and appreciation
toward those ancestors in our family of origin
who influenced and encouraged us to live as our best selves.
We remember, too, those ancestors who left this world
with hurts unresolved. We open our deep self to you
and pray that any woundedness we’ve inherited
will be healed through your grace and our love-filled hearts.
We bring to mind others beyond family who enriched our lives
and led us further on our journey of personal transformation.
We honor all those who sacrificed and suffered
in order for peace and justice to be furthered on our planet.
We give thanks and rejoice for the countless, unnamed persons
whose lives left a lasting mark of kindness and compassion.
May the remembrance of each of these blessed ones
inspire and increase our personal commitment
to leave a trace of goodness wherever we go.
When we depart this sphere of life may our inner strength
have contributed to individual and world peace.
Gathering the Strength of the Ancestors
During a quiet, reflective period:
a) Recall a personal experience of your life when you faced a difficult situation. Remember how your inner strength helped you move through it. You have that strength residing in you now, the strength of the ancestors.
b) Write the names of deceased persons you have known (or people from literature, history, scripture, spirituality,) whose strength has been passed on to you in some way. Think about their positive qualities and virtues (courage, sense of humor, ability to forgive, leadership, unselfishness, integrity, hospitality, etc.) List the names of five persons. When finished, unite quietly with them in gratitude. Pray to receive strength to enliven their qualities in your daily living.
c) Honoring the Strength of the Ancestors
A basket of medium-sized stones is passed around. Each person chooses one to hold. These stones represent the ancestral gift of strength. The group stands in a circle. As the stones are held, the names of the ancestors that have been written are proclaimed in the following way.
Each person speaks the name of one ancestor. After each name is spoken, all respond: Guide and grant us your strength. Continue going around the circle until all the names are spoken.
Closing Prayer
Beloved ancestors, your presence stretches back through the ages. It touches and influences the deep part of each of us today. Your strength sings in our spirit. Your courage abides in our heart. Your resilience resonates in our bones. Your love abounds in our soul. May we remember how connected we are to these enduring qualities. We offer gratitude for how the best of you continues to find life in us. Amen.
