TODAY is All Saints' Day, when
One of the most famous of the early saints was Polycarp, who lived between A.D. 69 and 155. A teacher and leader in the early church, he refused to recant his faith, and was arrested. Taken to the Colosseum in Rome and bound to a stake, Polycarp was invited to proclaim "Caesar is Lord" to escape execution. He refused. "For 86 years, I have been [Christ's] servant, and He has never done me wrong: How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?" he is reported to have said. The fire was lit.
On the anniversary of Polycarp's martyrdom, Christians gathered at his grave to remember his courage and faithfulness and take Communion. Over time, other martyrs were included in the remembrance, as well as, eventually, everyday Christians. All Saints' Day became a strong tradition, one which survived the Reformation and is still observed by many branches of Christianity.
All who today enjoy the comforts of Christianity stand on the shoulders of martyrs and the everyday faithful observers who have passed the torch from generation to generation. Halloween may have its dark and scary goblins, but All Saints' Day celebrates those who have brought light and hope to the world.