This time last year I wrote an article that focussed on ‘The Holy Family: Refugees and Immigrants’. This year, we continue to see a broken world in desperate need of healing. This Advent I again encourage everyone to try to recognise Jesus in all the faces of those that you meet and see on media screens, including the stranger, the refugee, the immigrant. As Pope Francis affirmed in 2023 “every human being, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, of any people or religion, every human being is sacred, is precious in the eyes of God, and has the right to live in peace.” [CNA Nov 23].
Halloween, once a predominantly American celebration, has now firmly taken root in Australian society. But what exactly is Halloween? Observed on October 31st, it marks the eve (or “een”) of All Saints Day on November 1st. The term “Hallow” means holy, as in “hallowed be thy name.” Historically, Halloween originated as a pre-Christian Celtic festival marking the end of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. Pagans believed that the increased darkness allowed spirits to be more mischievous, leading people to leave out treats to appease them.
Jesus referred to faith as a seed. A mustard seed. All plants begin as seeds. However, to germinate and grow and develop and be productive, the seed needs to be placed in good soil. In the synoptic Gospels (Matthew 13:3-9, Mark 4:2-9 and Luke 8:4-8) we read Jesus’ Parable of the Sower. I am utilising poetic licence with using this parable where the seed is representing faith and not directly the Kingdom of God, but bear with me. It will all makes sense.