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In honor
Off the Wall
Oct. 25, 2007
Throughout each year, there are holidays whereby
citizens of this country recognize presidents, soldiers who are
fighting and fought in wars past, or even those whom have died
for our country. During these day-long celebrations, the children
may have no school, no mail is delivered, and festivities are
held all day long.
Today, I would like to talk about Halloween,
a special time of the year.
Now, to the kids, it means dressing up, going door
to door yelling "trick or treat, and coming home with bags
of goodies that is hoped won't be eaten all at once.
I have to tell you, I never liked this time of the
year. I thought this day was something that it isn't and I stand
guilty by believing as others taught me that it is the devil's
holiday. I bought into false teaching, but now I now know the
truth of the matter.
With that being said, I first wish to share a little
bit about All Saints Day.
Saints are people who were followers of Jesus and
stood steadfast in their faith even though it meant a torturous
bloody death. These early witnesses died in the name of the Lord.
They became the martyrs of the faith. They knew Christ to be
real. Each is known for something special. Because of their
fidelity and courage led to their sanctity of holiness, they
have become models for every Christian throughout history.
In addition, because of their devotion to the Trinity,
we know that the saints are in heaven. Thus, through intercessory
prayers, we can turn to them for certain needs and they will
convey the petitions to the Father. For we are all one, alive
in the body of Christ. It is through this 'oneness" that
saints can carry our requests to God. Scripturally based passages
reveal this as found in the Holy Bible.
Two of my favorites, St. Thomas Aquinas, had undisputed
mastery of scholastic theology, and St. Francis of Assisi was
known as the patron saint of animals and the environment.
Even though Catholic calendars will highlight saints
on the days that are dedicated to them, the Church has set aside
one day out of the year to honor those who have set an example
for us in our walk with God, but also died a physical death never
ever giving in to temptation of taking any other way out but
by staying firm in their belief.
In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated
November 1 as All Saint's Day or All Hallows' Day. By the Middle
Ages, October 31 was known as All Hallowe' E'en (short for evening).
It changed, over the years, to Halloween.
All Soul's Day (sometimes called the "Day of
the Dead") is always November 2. This Christian holiday
pays respect and remembers the souls of all friends and loved
ones who have died and gone to heaven. The living pray on behalf
of Christians who are in purgatory (which has several scriptural
references including Hebrews 1:3, Rev. 21:27, and Matthew
5:8).
I think Peter Kreeft defines this place perfectly.
The Boston College philosophy professor states, "In heaven,
we must be perfect to be in the presence of God. When we die,
we are not perfect. We still have various imperfections that
we are 'working on.' To make us perfect, we must 'finish up'
our work. That is purgatory. Purgatory is for sins that don't
deserve absolute punishment." After this purging of their
sinfulness, believers are received into heaven to be with the
Trinity."
Halloween has to do with honor and recognition. By no
means is it a devil's holiday!
Paul j. volkmann
10/01/07
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