After this I had a vision of a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, people and tongue.  These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress.

(Revelation 7: 9, 14b)

 

As we mark the passing of Halloween, Day of the Dead, Samhain and All Saint's Day, we are invited to reflect upon the meanings of these holy days.  Through these annual celebrations we are invited to reflect upon the holy people, saints, ancestors and loved ones who have shared the gift of themselves in the world and have died and returned to the fullness of their true nature as One with God. 

For our loved ones that have passed, we grieve their loss.  At the same time, with the celebration of these holy days, we are reminded that while they no longer remain with us in physical form, their Spirit is always with us.  Those that "survive the time of great distress" are able to be present and accessible to us as a means of nurturing and support. Embracing this truth allows us to remember that we are never alone!  As we move through the frequent struggles of the human experience, there is great comfort in knowing that there are a multitude of spiritual beings (saints, ancestors, loved ones, spirit guides, angels) available as a source of support. 

In the Roman Catholic tradition in which I was raised, there is a deeply moving and comforting ritual that is practiced at the celebration of All Saint's Day (November 1).  "The Litany of the Saints" is a spiritual practice in which the names of the saints are recited or sung followed by the intercessional refrain, "All you holy men and women, pray for us."  Engaging in this ritual reminds us that there is a "great multitude, from every nation, race, people and tongue," here to help us in our human and spiritual journey.  I offer this practice to you today as a gift in your own spiritual journey.

Litany of Saints:

Recite silently our aloud, the name of each of the holy people listed below, followed by the phrase, "Pray for me".  As you recite their name, imagine that person sitting or standing beside you, present to you as a source of support, help and nurturing.  Allow yourself to be surrounded by the acceptance, compassion, love and support of each of these men and women.  Feel free to add your own names to the list: ancestors, loved ones, favorite saints, heros, etc. 

Have a happy and blessed Hallowed Week!