Thoughts from Canon Michael A Hutson
I should begin by introducing myself. I am Michael Hutson, Parish Priest of St Mary’s, Benbecula. I was once the Music Teacher on North Uist. I was also Parish Priest in Barra for nearly 5 years, 14 years ago. I’ve spent time during my 28 happy years of priesthood in places as diverse and rewarding as Barlinnie Prison, the USA, Mallaig, Dunoon, Lochgilphead, Oban and Bute. I’m very happy to be back in the Hebrides. Since this is the November issue, here’s my November reflection.
November really begins on the 31st October, Halloween! That’s the evening (or e’en) before the day of All Saints, or All Hallows. (Hallow means holy. We use that word in the Lord’s Prayer: “Hallowed be thy name”). So, Halloween means the “Night Before All Saints”. The idea of beginning a celebration on the night before the big day is common: think of Christmas Eve, or the Jewish Sabbath beginning not on Saturday morning, but at Friday sunset. So, our (very commercialized and americanized) Halloween antics are connected to the tradition of honouring every saint who ever lived and died.
When I was a wee boy, and I’m so old that this reminiscence predates “trick or treat”, we disguised ourselves and went round the neighbourhood performing a party piece. We hoped for the reward of toffee apples, sweeties, and – especially – tablet. (No wonder I have diabetes now!) Great fun, great Scottish tradition.
Next day we went to church. Halloween night was about guising, but 1st November was about honouring the saints in Heaven, all the famous ones for sure, but also those whose names are not known to us. Far from being about ghosts and ghouls, this festival is rooted in the ancient Christian appreciation of the goodness, the greatness, the example and inspiration of those who have gone before us in faith: saints. Throughout the year, we celebrate the feast days of the official saints of the church. Think St Patrick’s Day (17th March) or St Columba (9th June) or, this month, St Margaret of Scotland (16th), St Andrew (30th). But on 1st November, it’s all the Saints who get honoured. For the truth is that there are lots of saints who never got the full whammy of Vatican investigation and declaration of sainthood, but are saints none the less.
I invite you to think about what sainthood is. Most Christians hope and believe that those people who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith, who lived a good life, with love and decency and mercy in their lives, have gone straight back to God. They “go marching in,” ready to meet their maker, who had always loved them and wanted them to be with him. Maybe they were the great heroes we know about who are depicted with haloes in stained glass windows etc., or maybe they were the unsung heroes living the quiet life of family and friendship, work and gentle service to others. The people whose goodness maybe went unrecognised, except they were recognised as saints by God.
It’s not rocket science: God made us to be good and to be with him. We just need to play our part in that plan, remembering that – even when we mess-up – his mercy is bigger than any sin we can commit.
The Book of Revelation calls them “the multitude that no-one could ever count”. Christians believe in the universal call to holiness. God’s promise of Heaven, our eternal reward, happiness for ever, eternal rest, the happy hunting ground in the sky, the beatific vision… call it what you like. It’s for us. “There are many rooms in my Father’s house….” There’s even room for you and me.
A great quote, from Oscar Wilde, reminds me that God intends sainthood for us all: “Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future”. No matter who we are, what we’ve done, what others say about us, the God of love and mercy is waiting to welcome us home.
I once asked a Primary School class on the feast of All Saints: what do you have to do to be a saint? One hand shot up: Die, Father!”
A final reflection for November. For many Christians throughout the world this is a special month for remembering everyone who has died. On 2nd November (All Souls Day), what used to be called “Hallow-tide” is completed. On All Souls and throughout this month, we visit graveyards, tend graves, offer special prayers, and remember our own mortality. Catholics in Scotland often list their deceased friends, family (and others) and place those names at the altar in church.
Taking the trouble to do this means that they are remembered in the context of Christian hope. What a beautiful way to give expression to our grief and our hope! Church of Scotland Minister/hymn lyricist Rev. John Bell once wrote in a hymn about death and eternal life: “Heaven is close and God is good.”
This year, I encourage families to sit down together to make their November Lists. Don’t just leave it to mum! Telly off, tech off, everyone involved! The very act of remembering together, sharing memories and writing down those names will be a beautiful prayer in itself, a lovely family experience and perhaps also a therapy.
I conclude my Reflection by offering a sincere thankyou to those who help us when death comes to our door. I am sure I can say this on behalf of the whole community. Those who deal with the death of our loved ones at home or in hospital: nurses, domestics, doctors: thank you! Our undertakers, registrars, gravediggers, florists, caterers, organists, ministers, and priests: thank you! You will be included in the prayers at St Mary’s, Benbecula this November.
Canon Michael A Hutson, Parish Priest, St Mary’s, Benbecula.
