All Hallow's Eve

Today's Gospel finds Jesus expressing his sadness and frustration over the cold reception and lack of response Jerusalem gave to his work there.  We see his tenderness as he laments, "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how many times I yearned to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were unwilling!" (Lk 13:34). Almost like mourning the death of a loved one.  Appropriate for the Eve of All Saints, All Hallows, as it was once known, and as an introduction to the month of the Holy Souls.  Both occasions see us gathering to celebrate the dead, some who are with God in heaven, and others, needing further purification before they can enter the fullness of their heavenly reward.  As with so much of our experience, joy and sorrow mix.  So with the costumes and candy of Halloween, and the triumph of the saints, there is the sorrow of the loss of our loved ones.  May we take some time today in the next two days to sip from both cups...and, as always, give thanks to God.
Bro. Rene