By Father Kevin Cullen, S.J.
How do we live with change? Autumn is the perfect season to reflect upon how we are able to live with change. As much as we believe “there is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens,” (Ecclesiastes 3:1), it takes some adjusting with the changing of seasons. We “fall back” with the way we mark time. We may need a reminder to set clocks to this new time of darker morning and earlier dusk.
We also mark time by celebrating those who have gone before us in faith. All Hallows’ Eve has become a time for the young to sense the spirits among us. All Saints Day reminds us of the communion of Saints we desire to join. And Día de los Muertos (All Souls Day) recalls the faithful departed. Cultures mark the change of seasons from this life into the life to come.
With a few days before the elections, we are reminded of more change. Economic stresses are being felt. But Nature is not fooled by these types of changes. The leaves on the trees continue to change colors, and temperatures continue to drop. The Autumn season offers more darkness – moving us inside for quiet and reflection. Ghosts and goblins seeking treats can cheer us up, but this change of seasons can also leave us gloomy or despairing.
Some institutions and people thrive on gloom and doom that introduces fear, doubt, and mistrust. The effects of economic instability, government shutdowns, and religious bickering may add to social and personal confusion. As people of faith, we know Jesus as the light, who dispels darkness and creates a hope-filled world. As this Jubilee Year of Hope concludes, we ask ourselves through what holy doors have I walked, experiencing the hope for a better tomorrow?
In The Spiritual Wisdom of Trees (Nov. 3 & 17), Sister Susan Chase deepens our understanding of and participation in the changes happening in Creation. This first week of November, we pray for an increase in women and men religious to serve in our Church. In celebrating Founders Day (November 11), Mother Xavier Ross and her companions embody change by moving from Nashville to the Kansas Frontier and beyond. And in Dilexi Te (October 4, 2025) Pope Leo suggests our world perspective change so “that all human beings have the same dignity, independent of their place of birth.” (#13)
Changes offer us opportunities to live in Hope. As pilgrims of Hope, our journey continues with these or similar events.
