October 31, 2019

Today is Halloween. In other words, it is All Hallows Eve. In still other words, it is the evening before All Hallows Day, which is in yet still other words – All Saints Day. To “hallow” someone is to honor them as holy. That’s the etymology of the day to dress up and demand some candy. A big part of the appeal of Halloween for young and old is the dressing up part. It is a relief to not be you, at least for a day. Especially when you are trying to be better (more holy) than you actually are. Pretending to be somebody else in that way gets tiring, and fast.

Today is also Reformation Day – commemorating the day in 1517 when Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to a church door in Wittenburg, Germany. With beautiful symmetry, Reformation Day speaks directly to those of us who try in vain to dress ourselves up to be holier than we actually are. We are reminded that holiness does not come from within, but is imputed (given) to us by Christ himself. That’s what the Apostle Paul tells us – “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)  

We are clothed in Christ’s righteousness.  And it’s not a costume, it’s the real you!

“Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace: So clothe us in your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you; for the honor of your Name. Amen.” (Prayer for Mission – BCP p. 101)