I have a confession to make: I have mixed feelings about Autumn. Yes, there is beauty in the natural world and I do love jumpers and mugs of tea, but this season brings with it many memories of sad events that seem to drift in with the chill in the air.
Autumn is indeed a time for remembering. In church we remember those whom we loved who have died, and we honour those who fell so that we might know freedom and peace. We also actively remember throughout the year. At the heart of every Communion service is an act of remembrance called an ‘anamnesis’. If ‘amnesia’ is forgetfulness, then ‘an-amnesis’ might be translated as ‘not-forgetting-ness’. This is where we recall the Passover and the sacrifice that Jesus made for us on the cross in an active way. These actions remind us that through Jesus we have hope for the future, as well as for the present. Hope of transformation, new life and deep sustaining joy even throughout the darkest times.
One other thing that helps me is to imagine that my grandparents and others are now part of a Jedi-type council of advisors. It may be more useful to recall this line of text, written by Eric Crozier for Benjamin Britten’s Cantata about St Nicholas: “We keep his memory alive in legends that our children and their children’s children treasure still”. Once the rawness of grieving has faded, our memories of those who have passed away can still inspire, bring joy, and indeed hope.
Catherine Cleghorn, Ordinand