What does Halloween evoke for you? Do you love creepy movies and costumes, or are you in it for the treats? Although I myself am not a big Halloween fan, advertising and storefronts remind me that my generation and younger love Halloween more than any other holiday. What is it, I wonder. The cleverness of over-the-top costumes, the make believe and revelry, or the not-so-subtle facing of our own deaths?
Somehow, church does all of this for me—imagination, wonder and proclaiming the great reversal. There is dress up, too (although I only look like a ghost in my long white robe only certain weeks). Most importantly, we are invited to stare into and past the end of our lives on a regular basis: In Christ’s death, we accept our own death. In Christ’s resurrection, we look for new life in our midst and beyond.
Paul writes to the Thessalonians, “As to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we beg you, brothers and sisters, do not be quickly shaken in mind, or alarmed either by spirit or word or by letter.” In other words, don’t get spooked. God’s reign among us— whether we experience it in this life, or after death— is not something to be feared. Why not? Because we already have what we need. Paul writes, “hold fast to the traditions that you were taught by us …” and may Jesus himself “comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word.” We already have the traditions and scripture we have received by the Holy Spirit. We have Jesus, our Savior and friend.
God be with you in these days, in the remembrance of our own ends, and of the loved ones no longer here. The One who holds us now will hold us for all time. Jesus, who knows this road, is walking it still with us.
Together on the journey,
Liesl
Three Holy Days
In our tradition, we make space on Maundy Thursday to remember central parts of our faith story. We hear about the...
