The misinformation about Halloween never ceases to surprise me. The word “Halloween” is the modified version of its origin, “All Hallows’ Eve,” marking the evening before All Saints’ Day. All Saints’ Day on November 1st serves to honor all the saints, with many churches celebrating it on the nearest Sunday. Our Roman Catholic and Orthodox sisters and brothers have numerous Saints they recognize with special days throughout the year. By dedicating a single day to remember all saints, Protestants create a space for reflection on the lives of those who have inspired and shaped the faith. This remembrance reminds us of the image we read about in Hebrews 12, “the great cloud of witnesses.”
John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, wrote several entries in his journal on November 1, All Saints Day. His appreciation for the holy day reflects the importance of remembering and honoring those who have contributed to our spiritual heritage. While we United Methodists do not have the practice of praying to the saints (in fact the Articles of Religion state our opposition to such), paying homage to and celebrating the “heroes of the faith” is something we cherish and encourages us to live out our own faith.
The modern custom of remembering not just saints but any believer we know who has passed from life to death, connects us to that “great cloud of witnesses.” This recognition of believers who have passed, particularly those who died in the last year, created a space for reflection on mortality and the hope of eternal life. This solemn recognition naturally contributed to a heightened focus on death, and in time, this led to the all-hallows-evening becoming what you and I know as Halloween.
This Sunday at PTCUMC, we’ll offer a special recognition of members that have passed away since last All Saints Day. As each name is read, a candle will be lit and a chord of bells will sound. Lighting a candle creates a powerful visual tribute, honoring the memory of each individual. The reverberating of bells adds a layer of solemnity. Marking their lives with both sound and light reminds us that God’s everlasting life and grace is with them.
To me, in addition to remembering my maternal grandparents and my father, I feel it’s also an especially appropriate time to focus on life after death for a worship theme. This time resonates deeply with many people, so invite others who are interested in hearing a thoughtful, respectful and inspiring message about topics almost everyone, even non-religious people, question.
When we stare into the grave of a loved one, even if our mind resists the thought of life after death, our heart still longs to see our loved one again.
When evil causes great suffering, even non-religious people hope for some possibility of justice, if not in this life, in whatever comes next.
None but one have stood on both sides of eternity and so to find answers, we Christians turn to the vastness of scriptures and especially to the life of Jesus. For us, Jesus is a trustworthy guide, throughout this life and into the grave and for what lies beyond.
Don’t miss any of the next three weeks of worship and invite someone to join you.
BEYOND DEATH:
- November 3 – Do I have a Soul?
- November 10 – Is Hell real?
- November 17 – Who Goes to Heaven?
