October 31, Saturday Weekday

The Lord will not abandon his people.-- Psalm 94:14

Mass readings: Romans 11:1-2,11-12,25-29 / Luke 14:1,7-11

From Ghoulies and Ghosties

Halloween -- the Eve of All Hallows -- brings to mind the Scottish saying, the medieval prayer, that reads: ''From ghoulies and ghosties and long-leggety beasties and things that go bump in the night, good Lord deliver us.'' When we're little we enjoy being frightened just a bit by ghost stories and such because we know -- Mom or Dad assures us -- ''it's just pretend.'' As we get older, we realize there are things that we have reasons to fear: illnesses, accidents, deaths of loved ones, and so much more.

Tomorrow we celebrate the feast of all the holy men, women and children who have gone before us and now rejoice in the presence of the Lord. Through the Communion of Saints, they assure us that, despite our well-founded fears, what awaits us is . . . heaven.

Prayer: Dear God, bless all the wee trick-or-treaters and their moms and dads, too!