The red cape swooped by, landing awfully close to the tiny lady bug. Her red, cotton tentacles needed adjusting as she eagerly crawled by. If the Superman suit could be slept in and accompany him to all his meals, that still would not suffice. “I can fly, I can fly!” he blithely beckoned with one more leap before heading out for trick-or-treating.
Often described as a fun-filled holiday full of disguises, sweets, socially acceptable gore and the infernal, many are unfamiliar with the origins of Halloween. One account dates back two millennia when Celtic traditionalists would honor the time of harvest and early setting of the sun with fire celebrations. The Roman practice of lauding the dead during this time of year was later infused after England and Ireland were conquered. In order to affray the pagan ceremony, in the 800s, Pope Boniface the IV assigned the following day as “All Saints’ Day”, a time to revere martyred saints or “hallows” of the church. Hence, Hallows’ Eve eventually became known as Halloween.
The American convention has largely become a kid-centered fair forging family-friendly activity. With purchases of decorations, candy and costumes, Halloween generates well over $6 billion dollars annually, the second highest grossing season behind Christmas, according to the National Retail Federation.
Thus, mask-adorning children and adults on October 31st are axiomatic. However, do we contemplate the “masks” that are worn throughout the year? The happy teenager who relates that he is fine only to learn that he is suffering from depression or neglect? The masquerading housewife who is yearning for acceptance and affection? The feigned smile of the businessman too overwhelmed to notice either?
As Christians who may or may not be enthralled with Halloween’s festivities, let us choose today to remind ourselves to look beyond the veils, reaching out to those too hidden to reveal their true selves yet needing our assent. Touch those who are yearning to divest their cloak, finally to be seen. Graciously, our Savior’s light shines through us still, even in the dark places. All the more, on the eve of All Saints’ Day, there is work to be done.
John 8:12: Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life”.
God Works Always 
If only people understood the history and the implications of Halloween. You raised an interesting point that a lot of us put on a mask 364 days out of the year. Whether it is at work, home, or even at our place of worship. That costume is less ghoulish but more acceptable. Good read dear sister.
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