I was astonished to see this word on an advertisement somewhere recently: a Halloween Bargain, for heavens sake! What on earth is that?
Halloween is one of those religious feasts, like St Valentines Day, that has been emptied of its original meaning and turned into something commercial. A hallow was a holy person, a saint, and All Hallows was the original word for All Saints Day (1 November). And the archaic suffix means eve the evening before when people used to celebrate. In some countries cakes were baked with sixpences and gold rings wrapped in protective paper hidden in them for the delight of real children and grown up ones. It was a day to remember not just the stars – Peter, Augustine, Catherine and Theresa but the ordinary men and women, known to you and me, who did their best while they walked this planet of ours and are now with the Lord.
It is immediately followed by All Souls Day (2 November) when we remember and pray for those who may not have yet made it. They could be still on the way. These are wonderfully inclusive days.
We give thanks for all those who have preceded us: our relatives, friends and the vast throng of people we dont know. We see them at a football match or a political gathering. They too are included. As for the third lot – who either have not made it or are not on the way I have nothing to say about them. Our world is a workshop where we have a chance of making something of lasting value. Jeremiah tells us about the potter (chapter 18) who keeps perfecting his mould until it comes out right. It is interesting that Jesus himself seems to have been a carpenter for a time.
It is quite difficult to do things right. Romans chapters 7 and 8 must be one of the clearest explanations in the scriptures of the battle we face. You try to do something and it comes out wrong (7:19). But then the Spirit comes to help us in our weakness (8:26) so that everything works for good for those who love God (8:28). The chapters are worth pondering.
We are so helpless. Look at the Middle East! Look at our own inclusive government! Yet the Spirit is given to ordinary men and women to help them sort things out. Paul cant stop talking about it. He has seen it in his own life. He is utterly confident. Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ (8:35). It is an attitude that could help us go a long way in solving a problem or two and eventually joining the Hallows.
Post published in: Opinions