by Rev. Eric Folkerth

The Spirits swirl around this week…do you feel them? I know I do.

Amidst the joy of this incredible World Series win, there are so many memories of my dad, so many baseball memories that come sweeping back into my head. Still grieving Mom from last year. Still so incredibly sad about our dog who died two weeks ago.

A few years back Dennise started setting up a yearly Ofrenda, for “Dia de los Muertos.”

Every year now during this week, we set up pictures of our relatives from generations past and our friends and families who have died more recently.

I don’t think it’s an accident that the Christian Church celebrates All Saints Day at around the exact same time of Dia de los Muertos.

And so we will celebrate the saints of KPUMC on this Sunday. I hope you will be with us.

I do feel that “Dia de los Muertos” tends to capture a bit more of the passion of memory of our personal saints…the suffering, longing and joy…a bit like, of all things, a Disney song from the animated film “Coco.”

“Remember me, though I have to say goodbye
Remember me, although it makes you cry…
Know that I am with you the only way that I can be
Until you're in my arms again
Remember me.”

Christian Pastor and Novelist Frederick Buechner got very close to this same feeling, when he wrote:

“When you remember me, it means that you have carried something of who I am with you, that I have left some mark of who I am on who you are. It means that you can summon me back to your mind even though countless years and miles may stand between us. It means that if we meet again, you will know me. It means that even after I die, you can still see my face and hear my voice and speak to me in your heart.

For as long as you remember me, I am never entirely lost. When I'm feeling most ghost-like, it is your remembering me that helps remind me that I actually exist. When I'm feeling sad, it's my consolation. When I'm feeling happy, it's part of why I feel that way.

If you forget me, one of the ways I remember who I am will be gone. If you forget, part of who I am will be gone.”

For all with the heart to remember them, and in all the ways we feel their mysterious presence, here’s to honoring all those who have come before.

Here’s to remembering.
Hope to see you Sunday.

Blog