Saint or Sinner?

When a person wears or would don a costume, normally the character represented by the costume is acted out or internalized. This is a fact and more particularly true with and among children. During Halloween, parties are held with a so-called trick or treat hunt as the highlight. Kids would willingly act out the characters as they growl, stare, change voices and make themselves as fearsome as possible. They in effect would play out as evil creatures. People and parents find this funny, fun and cute.

As if it was not enough, there is now a growing number of households or houses where decorations range from spiderwebs, pumpkins (which is actually a representation of the devil), skulls (which is actually a desecration of the sacred remains of the dead), and lifesize images of the undead.

Worst, entrances in villages and subdivisions are also decorated with similar gory and evil images.

What for?

For fun? For keeping up with "pagan traditions"? For being considered as trendy or chic? Or because it is cool?

None of the reasons or any reason can really justify the practices of Halloween if you are a Catholic or a Christian or a person who believes in the Almighty God.

It is a form of idolatry, or some kind of seemingly "innocent" ritual where the evil forces are actually recognized in the wrong way and dangerous, manner.

Let's face it. You know it's wrong. You know its evil. No matter how one rationalizes or justifies his or her involvement, directly or indirectly, with the pagan practices, the fact would remain that there is nothing that could be gained from it, it has no moral or redeeming value and it is essentially "unCatholic".

Since All Saints Day is being celebrated on November, why not a gathering of children or even adults in saints' costumes. With games and activities that are focused on their holy lives, teachings and how they served God. Decorate homes and villages with angels, images of the saints, and where a procession of those holy images including relics are held. Children and everyone are made aware of the saints where feasts and solemnities are commemorated or celebrated on their birthdays. Most importantly, people must offer thanksgiving to God for the saints, attend Holy Masses and make the day holy.

Now try this -

List down 5 nasty things which an evil or Halloween character of your choice may have done and 5 deeds of your saint whose feast falls on your birthday may have done.

Are you proud of yourself or well, ashamed of what you do not know and what you know?

Powerful Words

"Peace I Leave You, My Peace I Give You".

These are among the most powerful words ever said on the face of the earth. It is our Lord Jesus Himself Who has blessed us with the peace which is so perfect, that we need not ask for anything else, and anything more in this world.

Thus, when we are blessed with the words - "The peace of the Lord be with you always" -

As a sincere and deep expression of our gratitude, we respond by devoutly saying from our humble heart -

... "And With Your Spirit."

Peace is not for us to keep for ourselves alone but it is certainly a blessing to be shared with others. It is intended for all to cherish and benefit from.

Signs of Peace

A smile. An embrace. A kiss. Shaking of hands. Bowing of heads. Flashing a victory sign. Waving of hands. Pleasant exchanges of words - "I love you", peace be with you, forgive me, "I am sorry", etc. All of these are signs of peace that we offer to each other. A good start for your life.

Message of Peace

When peace is offered or most importantly when Peace was given, the message is clear - joy and happiness, as well as spiritual and material contentment are wished or conveyed upon you. It is now up to you how you would receive it and truly make it happen to your life.

Of course, life is not perfect but you can work on it or strive for it. You may gain it and it will happen if you let God take charge of your life. In many ways and in many forms, you would be blessed and all you need to do is count those blessings. Soon you will realize that Peace has become part of your life.

Observance of All Saints Day

Today, November 1, is All Saints Day and tomorrow is All Souls Day. But today, we already remember the dead. Our loved ones who have gone ahead of us.

How do we remember them?

By praying. Going to Mass. Visiting cemeteries. Gathering as a family. Writing something in one's  personal journal. Or merely blogging.

The highest form of remembering is of course through the celebration of the Holy Mass. We remember them by praying and lifting them up to God.

As we observe this solemn day praying for the faithful departed, let us remember how they became instruments of God's will and let us asked for the grace to emulate them.