"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
(John 8:32 niv)

Autumn has always seemed as the "Last Hurrah." The cold weather crops reach harvest, and the leaves provide a garish display in their old age just before they die. Pumpkins abound, either as an ingredient in seasonal delicacies, or as Halloween decorations. Some appear innocuous; others have been carved into leering jack-o'-lanterns. Yet, pumpkins remain the same object; only the visible facade has been changed.

Halloween may have pagan roots, but has been adopted by Christians. The more sinister aspects have been eclipsed by the festivities, including parties and trick or treating. Remembrance of the dead and veneration of saints serve as an aspect of the season. Trick or treating, over the centuries, evolved from "souling" or "guising." Souling occurred when people were asked to give a "soul loaf" or offering in return for prayers in support of their dead friends or relatives. Guising meant changing one's veneer for the occasion, taking advantage of the freedom to pretend to assume another identity. All age groups participated.

One person can don many guises throughout a lifetime. Facets abound, including professional, parental, churchgoer, and informal guises. Together, they total the truth of an individual. Sometimes it seems that one of the guises defines the wearer. Hopefully, we can learn to filter what we see about a person through the truth.

Lord, increase my wisdom and knowledge so I can see Your truth in every situation. Give me discernment for each decision I must make. (adapted from wordpress.com)

Contributed by Carol
Monday October 22, 2012
Liturgical Year B: Week 48
Liturgical Color: Green
Sunday Gospel reading:
Lectionary 29 (Proper 24)
Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost