Halloween

I'm going to tell you something that may shock you. I love Halloween! There, I've admitted it and now I can move on with my life. Seriously, I love Halloween for many reasons, like the fact that I enjoy seeing little kids dressed up as their favorite super heroes, or the fact that I enjoy seeing adults make complete fools of themselves (it's one of my favorite pasttimes), and as a chocoholic is gives me a great excuse to indulge my weakness.

But the main reason I love halloween is because it is a reality check. Halloween is actually a religious holiday still celebrated by liturgical churches and it is the beginning of a somber few days in the life of the Church. All Hallow's Eve (Halloween to we Americans) is the night before All Saints Day. It is a time to remember those saints who have gone before us to their final rest. It should be a time of introspection, rememberance, and celebration. In many churches the names of those who have departed this life and gone into glory are read and remembered on All Saints Day.

Following All Saints Day is All Souls Day. It is a day for all of us who still remain in our earthly journey. It is time to reflect upon the condition of our soul and our standing before God. It is a great time to ask ourselves, am I ready to meet my God face to face?

Enjoy Halloween. I certainly do. But never forget the real meaning behind the day and use the time to reflect upon the true meaning of the communion of the saints.

"Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord: Give us grace so to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those ineffable joys that you have prepared for those who truly love you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen." (Collect for All Saints Day, BCP 1979)