All Hallows Eve (aka Halloween) is a very popular and well know holiday. It’s a big business too with a market that generates more revenue that every other American holiday than Christmas (sorry Easter Bunny you are second to pumpkins and candy). The ironing is that many people don’t know the origin of the holiday or its future trend.
I walked in for mass recently to Christ the King and saw this table full of pictures.
You’ll notice in the picture there’s no sign or instructions. People just seem to know what to set there. It’s not a place to discard old frames. It’s not a photo contest. It’s a place to remember.
What’s a bigger deal than Oct 31st? The next day and the day after that. November 1st is All Saints Day. November 2nd is All Souls Day. It’s a big deal in the church. We remember those great martyrs whose blood watered the seeds of the church. And we remember our loved ones who have gone before us. There are many words I hear in mass about these two groups. Here’s some common ones your might hear.
It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal God. For today by your gift we celebrate the festival of your city, the heavenly Jerusalem, our mother, where the great array of our brothers and sisters already gives you eternal praise. Towards her, we eagerly hasten as pilgrims advancing by faith, rejoicing in the glory bestowed upon those exalted members of the Church through whom you give us, in our frailty, both strength and good example.
Magnificat, Nov 1
And for all our loved ones on Day 2
May the God of all consolation bless you,
Magnificat, Nov 2
for in his unfathomable goodness he created the human race, and in the Resurrection of his Only Begotten Son he has given believers the hope of rising again. To us who are alive, may God grant pardon for our sins, and to all the dead, a place of light and peace. So may we all live happily for ever with Christ, whom we believe truly rose from the dead. And may the blessing of almighty God,the Father, and the Son, Xand the Holy Spirit,
come down on you and remain with you for ever.
What is the opposite of remembering? To forget. To disregard. To dismiss. After this Halloween consider a little of your time, energy, and money that might have been spent on costumes, candy, and decorations. Spend some time remembering those who are too easily forgotten.