Meditation on Halloween #1

Campus Ministry Schedule:

5:45 PM In the library by the coffee bar; we’ll show a DVD of students in campus ministry
6:30 PM supper at Panera’s
8:00 PM Inclusive Spiritual Seekers, MBSC, Tower Room

Meditation on Halloween: Dressing up

On Saturday, a French Maid walked by arm in arm with a Vampire, meeting up with friends who were Headless, Famous, or abstract (one time I saw someone dressed as a plunger). A current TV commercial boasts Adam and Eve, a plug and socket, and more. Designed to make people laugh or be cute, people dress up as all types of folks for Halloween. What fun we have as we go door to door in search of sweets. However, this once a year event has become the Americanized to the point of turning an ancient tradition from an unnerving time of reflection upon that which is unknown (death and afterlife) into a whizzbang opportunity for free candy and that which is cute. We love our princesses and heroes, pretty much gender based. We have, in fact, made that which is edgy into something that is domesticated and safe.

That kind of thing happens with Bible interpretation and church life as well. We want our Jesus, but we want a Jesus who is white, safe, and someone who comes with a backpack full of safe, wise, and generally accepted sayings: kind of like a Santa Claus with a pack full of happiness with the good life.

I’m not suggesting Jesus isn’t Good News, but I am suggesting Jesus is not easy news. Try this clothing story on for size:

Matthew 5:
38“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; 40and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; 41and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. 42Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.”

Gandhi mentioned something about this passage when he said, “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.” We see every day the problems of putting retribution in the witch’s cauldron. What comes out of that mix is indeed “double double, toil and trouble, fire burn and cauldron bubble.” Doing the giving thing is a bit tougher than just dressing up and getting whatever candy you can.

For Halloween this year, dress up and be wonderfully fun. But also take a moment to look for opportunities to dress up by giving your coat and cloak to those who have none. What could be dressier than that?

-f