PASSAGES

On Monday, Oct. 31, we will again celebrate Halloween.

A western tradition that goes back to pre-Christian times. The pre-Christian celebration was celebrated Oct. 31 to Nov. 1.

As was the Church’s tradition, when a previously pagan people became Christian, a Christian holiday was placed on a sacred date. Hence, Pope Gregory II designed Nov. 1 as a time to honor the Saints of the Church, particularly the martyrs and the faithfully departed. The evening before All Saints Day was know as All Hallows Eve (Oct. 31). Because the pagan celebration was designed to ward off the shadows of the coming winter, All Hallows Eve, Halloween, over time evolved into a day of activities of trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings and of course. Donning costumes and eating treats.

As much as we will celebrate this holiday of trick and treating, the deeper significance of these days ought not to be lost in our celebrating.

Oct. 31 is the anniversary of the Reformation, the beginning of Protestantism and a fundamental change in western culture.

Nov. 1 is All Saints Day and the joyous remembrance of those who have gone before us in the faith who are, as Hebrews reminds us, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses. . . “ (Hebrews 12:1)

Early Romanesque Basilicas of the 4th century has frescos adorning all parts of the nave and sanctuary with the saints and martyrs who died confessing the faith under Roman pogroms. The visual representation of the saints reminds the worshipping community that they are part of something bigger than themselves. They are surrounded by those witness who gave their ultimate witness, their lives.

But for us, today, that “great cloud of witnesses” goes back to the Old Testament itself. In chapter 11 the writer of Hebrews refers to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob the all the Old Testament “saints” who lived “by faith.” (Hebrews 11: 1-2) By faith Abel...by faith Enoch ...by faith Abraham...by faith Sarah...by faith Isaac...by faith Jacob...by faith Joseph...by faith Moses (Hebrews 11:1-28). I think we get the picture.

Faith is the character of the Christian life. Faith is “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1) It is the promise of God in Christ that sustains us on this side of eternity as it did those “saints” who have gone before us. To live by faith is to live as those we remember and celebrate.

On Nov. 1, as we remember the “saints” who are the “great cloud of witnesses,” their faithfulness encourages and supports us in our life of faith.

That this cloud is “great” reminds us that millions of believers have gone before us, each bearing witness to the life of faith we now live.