In his most recent pastoral letter, Bishop Steve referred to the two upcoming festivals in the Christian church, All Saints on Monday 1 November and All Souls on Tuesday 2 November. These feast days are there for us to pause and remember the saints, whose lives have been recognised as showing us how to be faithful to Christ and be of service to our communities.

The example of Manche Masemola and Jane Furse come to mind as examples of saints who lived lives of commitment and faithfulness to their faith. Manche Masemola is recognised widely in the Anglican Communion as a martyr who died for her faith. Jane Furse, daughter of Michael Furse (of Furse House), is relatively unknown. Masemola and Furse are located within the history of the Anglican Church in South Africa and that of Sekhukhune land. Both died at the age of 14 years. What stands out about the life of Jane Furse is her love and concern for the people when she accompanied her father, then Bishop of Pretoria, during his pastoral visits around the diocese. Although they did not leave us any written testimonies, by their way of life, they have shown us what it means to live a life where daily prayer is Lizalis’ idinga lakho.

Often, when we think of saints, we think of men and women of great faith who have gone on to perform miracles. However, in his letters, Paul often refers to the community he is addressing as saints. In his greeting in his letter to the Ephesians, he says “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are at Ephesus and who are faithful in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 1:1). It is essential to remember that saints are local. They belong to a community. It is their love, self-giving and faithfulness that makes them transcend space and time. The example of Manche Masemola and Jane Furse shows us that it is possible for each of us to be a saint by being faithful in our work and life.

REVD RAKGADI KHOBO
CHAPLAIN