As American society inches back to something like a normal state of affairs, we occasionally come upon scenes that have the look of a creature half-metamorphosed. The Dodgers win the World Series—and the pre-recorded crowd goes wild. Closer to home, if you missed me in carline today, it is because I am attending a Catholic education conference—virtually. Again, next Saturday, the Upper School will host its first pandemic-era dance—outside, complete with masks and temperature checks.
Really, though, is life’s fundamental “unscriptedness” actually abnormal? In world history, aren’t seasons of equilibrium and predictability the exception rather than the rule?
Certainly, as individual persons we have each been given a life to answer for, and no one else can answer for us. Stories can guide us, but while the journey of the hero may inspire us to dare great things, it will not, in its particulars, map our journey. Or again, the lives of the saints may serve as exemplars, but no single one of them will reveal the exact shape of the narrow gate you or I will be asked one day to pass through.
As we come to All Saints' Day, then, we venerate the saints, not so that they will use their intercession to ensure for us placid lives free of complication or grief. Rather, they are our elder brothers and sisters in the way of Christ. Before we were born they took up their crosses daily and followed him, and even now call us home.
Let us continue to pray for one another. Our Lady of The Atonement—pray for us!