The Legend of Jack of the Lantern

There once was a young man named Jack. He was a vagabond and a trickster, preferring to trick his way through life and stealing than earning and honest living.

One day, Jack was waiting at the crossroads in the hopes that some unwary travelers would come by asking for directions to the Inn (Jack often did this...offering to guide them through the Irish mists in exchange for some money...and would then lead them down the road into the bogs to their dooms). But this night, instead of a stranger coming down the road, the Devil himself met Jack at the crossroads.

"Jack!;" said the Devil, "I've been a'looking for you...seems your time is up and I've come to take you home for your eternal reward."

"Is that so?" Jack asked, considerably shaken but this revelation. "Well then I guess that I am ready to go...but before I do, could you grant me one last earthly request?"

The devil thought this over for a bit and then said "Well now Jack, seeing as I have enjoyed leading you astray for all these years...I guess one last bit of pleasure wouldn't do me harm. What would you like?"

"I would like that apple...there on the topmost branch of this here apple tree...only I cannot get it since I hurt my leg today;" replied Jack.

So up the tree the devil sprang to get the apple...and quick as a cat Jack carved a big cross on the trunk of the tree so that the Devil could not come back down.

"There now Devil," cried Jack, "Come and take away my spirit now!"
"Curse you!" shouted the Devil from the tree, "let me down and I promise I'll not take your spirit tonight or any night hereafter!"

So, with this promise, Jack cut down the tree and down the devil came with it, leaving Jack safe and alive. Yet, all living things must die, and Jack did eventually as well...only he was not allowed in heaven because of his wicked life...nor would the Devil allow him onto Hell...on account of his promise. So now Jack wonders the world with just a little lantern to guide him in the night...hoping to find some place to stay for the night. But he can't even find hospitality on earth...out of fear that he may be up to his old tricks, people carved out turnips and pumpkins with frightening faces to remind him of his evil deeds...thus keeping away Jack O'Lantern.

Happy New Year!...?

Samhain (pronounced "sow-en") is the ancient Celtic celebration of the end of the old year and the beginning of the new. Each year, according to Celtic Mythology, a new sun god (male) was born of the goddess of the earth each spring. During the year he grew old until he dies in the late autumn with the darkening of the year, but not before he has taken earth as his bride and left her with a new son god to be born in the spring. so the end of the year is also the beginning.

However, with the death of the sun god, the souls of the wicked creatures and the dead all run wild on this night. In order to confuse the spirits and keep them from harming the living, the Celtic people devised many "tricks" that are still used to this day (although not for the original intended purpose). Bonfires are still a traditional part of Halloween (Samhain) which were thought to chase away the evil spirits who would think that it was the sun god still living.

Another method of tricking the creatures, was to disguise yourself as one of them so that they would mistake you for one of their own and leave you be. Part of this was that many families would invite the spirits in for a feast, the food would distract them long enough for the living to done costumes...and lead the spirits from the house dancing their way out in the wilderness, away from the homes of the living. But for the timid spirits, just a scary face would do to frighten them away!

Happy Halloween!

Riverdance goes Bananas!

See? Even Monkeys know what good music is!

Catechism Class

Today I taught my third Catechism class at St. Patrick's. Every Sunday morning my sister Maura and I teach Catechism to the most fantastic group of little third graders. The first class was a bit hard for me. I have been in college education for so long that I have sort of forgotten how little children learn and think. Now that I am on my third time though, we are having so much fun...and I actually think that I might be teaching them something! It's so much fun to see their smiling bright young faces get all lit up when they answer a questions correctly or do something pleasing. I love how they call me "Mr. Heffron." I am still getting a handle on maintaining order and discipline while keeping things fun and lively for them (especially since I have mostly little boys...and they tend to be a bit of a rambunctious crowd). Its a bit of work...but I am getting used to preparing lessons and it will be a good experience for me should I return to Seminary or continue as a teacher. I don't think that third graders are where I am best suited as a teacher, but its not like I can't do it. I love all my little students...we are going to have a great year!

Autumnal Wonders

This is Strotheide Road looking West in front of my house.
An old tree in the woods that I thought had interesting branches.
This is my house from the woods across the pond (the second story window is my room).
Another view of Strotheide looking west just past my house.
Love the contrast in this photo!