Redeeming Halloween

 Here is a really fascinating discussion about the Christian connections to various Halloween traditions.  
Of interest to me especially was the discussion towards the end of the parallels and oppositions between the traditional images, symbols, and meanings connected to witches and those connected with nuns.
They don't say this in the video but it turns out that even the words "coven" (as in, a group of witches) and "convent" (where consecrated sisters or nuns live) share the same etymology.

Beating Lust with John Chrysostom and Gospel Simplicity

I've long admired the work that Austin is doing over at the Gospel Simplicity YouTube channel.  Here is a nice video drawing from St. John Chrysostom (and others) in addressing lust.  This is always a timely topic in our days when so many are being completely overcome by the deadly sin of Lust.