THE SOULS OF ALL

For none of us has life in himself,
and none becomes his own master when he dies.
For if we have life, we are alive in the Lord,
and if we die, we die in the Lord.
So, then, whether we live or die,
we are the Lord's possession.
            - The Burial of the Dead, Book of Common Prayer, pg. 491
 
The latter part of this week will bring about Allhallowtide, a significant three-day observance full of powerful images and hefty prayers. Also known as Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead), this extended holiday confronts evil forces, remembers the death of loved ones, and honors the souls of all the departed. Wednesday, All Hallows’ Eve, calls us to put on whatever mask necessary to ward off the vicious evil that infects this world. Thursday, All Saints’ Day, compels us to name our beloved ones, those who have crossed the threshold of death. Friday, All Souls’ Day, gives opportunity to extend this honor to all who have died.
 
Our culture elevates and embraces the first aspect of this triduum. Hey, dressing up and facing the darkness can even be fun (not to mention the candy that comes along with this secular ritual). And communities of faith pay due attention to the second day and the saints we have known, whether they be heralds of the tradition or those near and dear who have departed this life. But I have been recently drawn to the oft-overlooked conclusion of this observance. And the power that comes with claiming the nameless or those unfamiliar to us.
 
These days it feels like death is all around us. And much of it feels mysterious and confusing. Death happens inexplicably at a grocery store in Kentucky, at a synagogue in Pittsburgh, and in the Java Sea outside of Tunisia. Death happens every day at borders of nations, in hospital rooms, and on highways and byways. Death happens beautifully and with peace. But also, surprisingly and in the throes of fear. Death is a sobering reality of our physical pilgrimage. And a fickle reminder that life is precious and each day is a gift.
 
Death happens to our next-door neighbor and to countless we will never meet. Death strikes family members and loved ones, but also enemies and foes. Death unites political parties and tribal factions, sports teams and competing ideologies. Death haunts and purifies every soul.
 
All Souls’ Day brings together and honors all of the above-mentioned. Each person is commended, known or unknown, to the loving arms of God. Each soul is lifted, no matter how different or distant, to the Maker. Each one is named beloved, and each is claimed as worthy of God’s presence. On Friday, all of the souls are seen and acknowledged; each one is heard and felt.
 
To observe All Souls’ Day at Berkeley Preparatory School, we have the great opportunity to welcome Sofia Livingstone, class of 2020, to all divisional convocations. A trained harpist of 11 years, Sofia will be offering beautiful music to help illuminate and enliven these souls. For the souls of all the departed remain with us on the journey, bringing inspiration, comfort, and hope. And on Friday, we will take occasion to stop. And to listen for them. And then dare to face the next day.

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Founded in 1960, Berkeley is an independent, Episcopal, college-preparatory day school located in Tampa, FL, for boys and girls in grades Pre-Kindergarten through 12. Approximately 1,400 students gather here from the greater Tampa Bay area to form ONE Berkeley.