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After weeks of discussion and anticipation, Halloween has come and gone. It seems that the Halloween festivities have become stretched out and conflated these days, I find myself quickly “Halloween-ed out”. And don’t get me wrong, I love Halloween. Procuring everyone’s costume is always exciting, creativity is on full display, and the kids have a blast. It’s a fun holiday and one worthy of celebration. But to be honest, I’m feeling a little ready to move onto other things.

But if we celebrate Halloween in right order and perspective, All Hallows’ Eve is only the beginning. It’s the first day of All Hallows’ Tide, the church’s “Days of the Dead,” and our poignant reminder that we too, will die.

Just as Christmas Eve rightly holds anticipation for the great Feast that follows, All Hallows’ Eve should orient our hearts and minds towards the kingdom. They should direct us to the Feasts of All Saints and All Souls, the days in which we, the Church Militant, are afforded the opportunity to celebrate the Church Triumphant and pray for the Church Suffering.

All Hallows’ Tide launches the church into November, known as “a month of remembrance”, where we remember those who have died and pray for the souls in purgatory.

It’s easy to regard these weeks between Halloween and Advent as a meaningless interim period, a lull in activity or an abrupt gear shift into the merriment of Christmas, but the church gives us this time as an important reminder to “Memento Mori” or “Remember Your Death.”

Let All Hallows’ tide and the month of November convict you in your deepest desires for eternity. Reflect on the lives of the Saints, their commonality and what set them apart. Contemplate the trajectory of your life and what is necessary to achieve Sainthood. Pray for an increase of faith and a repentant heart.

Let this year’s All Hallows’ Tide launch you into a November of profound growth and a burning desire for heaven.