RECTOR’S REFLECTION: Halloween

I love Halloween.


Some Christians have grown suspicious of it, but I don’t worry too much about it, and I don’t think you should either.
Halloween, after all, is just another way of saying the Eve of All Hallows. Hallows is an old word for saints - this is the Feast of All Saints’ Eve, just like December 24th is Christmas Eve.


It has certainly been mixed with other traditions and customs at different times and in different places, but so too have most of our other holidays/holy days. There is no reason to be alarmed. It has also become quite secularized and commercialized. But again, which of our celebrations have not been?


This should not stop us from marking Allhallowtide (All Saints Eve, All Saints, and All Souls). It is a beautiful opportunity to remember those who have died and all who have come before us. It is a time to remember that we do not need to be afraid of the darkness and all that goes bump in the night because we are not alone—God is with us and has surrounded us with such a great cloud and community of witnesses, hallows, saints (Hebrews 12:1).


And, ironically, some of the most common “secular” traditions around Halloween are some of the most Christian parts of it.


On October 31st, when those we do not know who appear different, strange, or even frightening appear on our doorsteps, they will be met, I hope, with hospitality, with a warm welcome and given a little something delightful for their journey.


If only we could live like this all year long.


A blessed Allhallowtide to you all!


Thanks be to God!

 


CG+