The Episcopal Church has a phrase we use when we talk about the whole body of who we are: the Communion of Saints. This phrase bridges both those of us living here on earth, and those who have crossed the veil. All of us together making up the church; the body of Christ. And the Episcopal Church views all of the ancestors - not only those recognized by the church, but our own loved ones as well - as saints. The celebrations of All Hallow's Eve, the Feasts of All Saints and the Feast of All Souls honor and recognized that. Taken together these three dates are collectively called Allhallowtide, and are considered a triduum: one ongoing three-day observance.
For me, these are are some of the holiest, and most beautiful, days of the year. I love feeling that the veil between this world and the next is thin, that our ancestors are close, and that our connections to them are strong. We'll speak their names this Sunday in church because is said that speaking their names keeps them enfolded in the community here on earth. It acknowledges for and with them, as well as ourselves, that they are still present with us: in spirit, during worship, during prayer, and in our hearts. (We also do this every Sunday before we sing the Sanctus, when we say, "With angels and archangels and all the company of heaven...")
I invite you to enter into these three sacred days with intention. Remember those you have loved and lost. Speak their names. Light a candle, offer a prayer, share a story, or simply make room in your heart for their presence. Bring them with you to church on Sunday when we will light candles and speak their names together. Bring a photo of them if you would like, for our altars of remembrance. And remember that we do not walk through this life alone. We are held in a communion that transcends time and death, joined together with the Communiuon of Saints in the heartbeat of God, the breath of Spirit and the love of Christ.
My prayer for you today is for this Allhallowtide to be a time of remembering, gratitude, and connection. May you find joy and peace in knowing that the great cloud of witnesses surrounds you, always.