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The God Hidden Behind the Mask It is Halloween once more and our streets will be filled with costumed young people going door to door. Though there are those who view this activity unfavorably, I must admit to fond memories of Halloween. The memories are from the distant past, as a child, to what does not seem quite so distant, the memories of my two girls, and finally to the recent past, enjoying the children who now come to my door-children, who more often than not, recognize my wife-she who has probably substituted for their teacher at some time. They seem so surprised to discover Mrs. Doner lives in a house-and they carefully scrutinize me as well. Halloween, it seems to me, is so much more than merely candy and dress-up. In truth Halloween and All Saints Day centers upon those whose lives were loved by the Lord and whose lives were given over to the Lord. They were people, just as we are people, who chose to reveal the sacred Presence in their lives, standing with their Lord and Savior in unmasking the Holy One in our presence, the God we are often more comfortable closing our eyes to. In the beginning God had made the divine presence known to Adam and Eve. Thus we know that God would willingly walk with us in affable companionship if we desired it. After the Fall, that changed; we chose to be more centered upon ourselves and upon what we could make for ourselves from the world God created for our sustenance. We didn’t want to see God and didn’t want God to see the persons that we had become. God became hidden behind a mask even as we hid behind masks-from God and each other. St. John tells us that Jesus came into the world for the specific purpose to be the light, the full grace and glory of God, which would reveal God to the people of God. In John Jesus tells us that looking upon him reveals the very image of God. All the masks are pulled off if you choose to follow Jesus. You see-and know God-and you allow God to see and know you. There are no tricks, or treats, involved-only grace, love, and life with God. But it is hard to do what seems so simple. The life stories of the saints tell us that. It takes great courage and faith to be a person who willingly allows God to be reflected in their face, in their thoughts, words, and deeds. It can be done and that is the greatest treat anyone can give oneself or the other around you. The Sculptor Marcia Krugh Leaser The canvas must be silent As the artist paints the scene The paper, too, waits anxiously While the author shares his dream The many lines surrender To the architect’s keen plan The clay must yield to form and shape In the gentle potter’s hand. And we-the most unyielding Of the universal tools Must learn to be compliant In the way we will be used God works on us throughout our lives For only He’s aware Behind our masks of make believe A person is in there. Have a blessed celebration of All Saints Eve!
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