Halloween passed fairly uneventfully here at the Richard household. Sadly, the much-anticipated chili reception across the street never came to pass (we’ll do something about that next year!), and the trick or treaters came largely in two fell swoops upon our house. We didn’t have our light on, but that didn’t stop a young band of marauders from ringing our bell. I ignored the first one, but when they rang a second time I felt compelled to open the door:

Me: Sorry, I don’t have anything for you.

Angry Pumpkin: But it’s Halloween, and your light was on.

Me: No it wasn’t. You saw the plant lights in the dining room.

Angry Pumpkin: But it’s Halloween…

Me: Would you like some carrot sticks? That’s all I have.

Angry Pumpkin: It’s Halloween and you had a light on.

Me: Sorry… Hey, carrots are healthy, Michelle Obama says so!

So that’s how Halloween went here. On All Saints’ Day I think of those who have passed before me and inspired me and my life in so many ways: my godfather Milt, my grandmother and grandfather, and my brother Mark. I think of all the saints I immersed myself in a gazillion years ago when I was up for the ordination process in both the dioceses of Massachusetts and Kentucky, especially St. John of the Cross, Julian of Norwich, and Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection. Neither Thomas Merton nor Henri Nouwen have, or will ever, achieve sainthood in the Catholic Church, but I’ll bet they’ve influenced more people than the Church would be willing to admit. Of course, both were deeply flawed – as am I – but that’s the way it goes.

I have little doubt that there is a saint – known or unknown – who has been a guiding force in your life. Reach out to them in thought and prayer, and know you are never alone.