From the Rector: Giving Thanks for the Darkness

Saturday, October 31

Today is Halloween, the Eve of All Saints. How different everything is from a year ago! As I write this the city is concerned about how Halloween will be celebrated during this pandemic. Historically Waikiki has been the center of a huge block party, and depending on what happens tonight, we may see a surge in cases in the coming weeks. Even if Waikiki is tamer this year, there will no doubt be house parties that may serve as COVID spreader events. This will be a challenge again due to Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings.

In past years at St. Mark’s All Saints (November 1) and All Souls (November 2) have drawn large congregations for worship. The choir would always sing for both days, and on All Saints we would enjoy a dinner in the Parish Hall following the solemn mass. Understandably this year is different. Fortunately All Saints lands on a Sunday this year, and so we will observe the day at all three morning masses. We give thanks that we may currently worship in-person, for we know how most of the United States is surging with new cases.

All Souls has a particularly ominous tone this year, as does the whole month of November, even with politics aside. November is the month of holy souls - the last month of the liturgical year. It is a time when we focus on the final things such as death, judgment, and the second advent of Christ. With our nation reeling from the massive number of COVID deaths, as well as our inability to lead the world as we have historically done, this November is especially apocalyptic. This Monday we will still have a sung requiem at the church at 6:00 pm, but the music will consist of cantor and organ only. The attendance will be small, as many continue to cocoon at home. 

My sermons on All Saints and All Souls will teach the significance of these days respectively, celebrating the church triumphant on All Saints, and then encouraging the church militant on All Souls. I am glad that even during a pandemic we may observe both days distinctively, honoring both days.

Many psychologists and psychiatrists have warned us that November may be the toughest month of this entire pandemic. That is worrisome on many levels, especially for those suffering due to mental illness.  Daylight is fading, and in many places the days are getting colder. For Hawai’i this can be a rainy time with less sunshine. Most of these things we cannot control, but there is still hope. Remember that darkness can be beautiful, the night can be glorious, the rain can be refreshing, and yes, death is even a blessing when we have Jesus Christ as our guide.

During this month of holy souls when we remember the departed, and we mourn all the needless deaths from COVID, we also know that when darkness falls, peace and stillness may abide. The other day I woke up in the middle of the night, and I ventured out into the rectory garden. Everything was still, a rare occurrence in Kapahulu, and the moon was illuminating the creation with brilliance and calm. As this pandemic rages on, and as we must mute and reduce our community and family celebrations this winter, remember that the darkness is often a blessing, and in the peace and stillness of the night, Christ stands ready to welcome us. May the peace of Christ be with your soul during these dark and beautiful nights of November.

Father Paul Lillie

PS: Since the end of August, these General Thanksgivings have been sent to the parish three times a week, sustaining us through some of the most difficult months of this pandemic. Over 30 general thanksgivings have been written by the clergy and laity of St. Mark's since we began this project. As we begin to slowly open up our society more and more, this November we will have one General Thanksgiving a week rather than three. Many thanks to everyone who has contributed thanksgivings thus far.

The General Thanksgiving

Almighty God, Father of all mercies, 
we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks 
for all your goodness and loving-kindness 
to us and to all whom you have made. 
We bless you for our creation, preservation, 
and all the blessings of this life; 
but above all for your immeasurable love 
in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; 
for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. 
And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, 
that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, 
not only with our lips, but in our lives, 
by giving up our selves to your service, 
and by walking before you 
in holiness and righteousness all our days; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord, 
to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, 
be honor and glory throughout all ages.
Amen.

The Book of Common Prayer (pp. 101 and 125)