The Halloween Season

Composed by: Br. Pio Benedict
               
It has been said that this time of year offers no saving grace.  Spooks, goblins, devils and ghosts, oh my!  But is this always true?  Can it also have its saving graces?  In the past, I have written about five books that have influenced my faith; well, the same can be said about movies, especially those shown during this Halloween season.

Take for example “The Exorcist” or “The Exorcism of Emily Rose.”  Get past the special effects and think about it.  A display of good versus evil:  the war for good, God’s holy power in the ultimate fight;and the power of the Church, through our Lord, Jesus Christ shown in all its power and majesty.  As we read in Matthew, chapter 8 and Luke, chapter 8, the demonic exists; sometimes a reminder of this fact isn’t a bad thing: Listen and learn, don’t play with things we do not understand, don’t open doors that need to remain closed.

Next, let’s talk about “Dracula.”  Where else is the power of the Catholic Church displayed so prominently? We have the cross, the Eucharist, holy water, the crown of thorns and even the altar.  The symbolism in these movies is dramatic.  The power of the Church and priests is shown in all their splendor in the battle of good against evil. 

Finally, at least for now, let’s consider Stephen King’s “The Stand,” a story which tells of the calling of God to a rag tag group of strangers.  They are drawn together by a simple old woman who is seen as a prophet, leading this group in battle against the demonic and pure evil, culminating with the hand of God cleansing the world of its evil.

Many more examples exist; these are only a few.  It seems like the perfect time of year to talk about this.  No, this isn’t a deep, long drawn out thesis on anything or a discussion of the depth, ideas or teaching of the church.  Sometimes “simple” works and I think that faith can be inspired from a multitude of different things, simple and complex. 

For me, I enjoy these reminders of the power of good over evil, the power of our Church and our Lord over the legions of evil.  It is good to see Dracula cower from the cross or the possessed writhe in agony from holy water, with the light of day washing away the darkness and the hand of God destroying pure evil.  The symbolism displayed makes my faith grow stronger.   Yes, evil makes its in-roads, tries to establish that foothold, but in the end the power of goodness, light, the Church and our Lord Jesus Christ always prevail.  Listen and you shall hear and always remember the words of Padre Pio, “Pray, hope and don’t worry.”

Image Source: Chesire Cat Pumpkin by Noweia