Opportunity In The Shadows

October 31, 2024 - Published by Message Magazine

On the eve of what many celebrate as Halloween or All Saints Eve (Catholics Online, n.d.), some of my students engaged in a robust conversation about the rituals observed on that day. Some shared what their families did, including turning all the lights off, closing the blinds, and retreating to the lower floors of their homes to evade any candy seekers.

When they asked if I participated in the trick or treat time my answer was no. However I did share that of all other days, Halloween is, in my opinion, one of the most crucial dates on the calendar for Protestant faiths.

This day is over ripe with opportunities to meet and engage with neighbors we normally we would not. They may be in the dark, not just when they knock on your door. They may be in the dark about why they partake in the rituals and festivities of the day. 

Does it make sense to add more darkness to an already dark day?

We cocoon His light, hiding behind our closed blinds, locked doors, and purposeful escape from Halloween. Where is the light of knowledge? Where is the light of care and concern? Where is the guiding light of freedom lifting up the New Age veil of darkness? The light is Jesus and HIs Father commissioned us to let shine in the darkness with the promise that the darkness would not win? Do we give credence to the Apostle John’s designation of who the light is in John 1:5? “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

Real and Ritualistic

History teaches that Halloween was born from an ancient Celtic religion called Samhain (pronounced “sow-win”).  Ancient Celtic inhabitants of the British Isles, in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom and northern France celebrated from October 31 through November 1. This was the beginning of the new Celts’ year (History.com Editors, 2024).

Those who celebrated Samhain held the belief that during this time the barriers between the physical world and the spirit world broke down, thus granting permission for more interaction between humans between the two. Samhain, a part of the Wicca religion, is still observed today in the pagan and Wiccan communities. Read more...