Wisdom 3: 1-9
Romans 5: 5-11 or Romans 6: 3-9
John 6: 37-40

All Souls’ Day

This Sunday on the Feast of All Souls, we reflect on the mystery of death and our loved ones who have died. We believe that we continue to share a relationship with those who have died. We pray for their souls. When we pray for the souls of the faithful departed, we are praying for those whose souls are being prepared or already sharing eternal life in heaven. We believe that our prayers for them will help to speed their journey to eternal life with God.

This feast raises the question, ”Where do we go when we die?” This question has puzzled people of all cultures from the beginning of time, and it continues to puzzle many today. This question in no way suggests a lack of faith. Rather it underscores some of the mystery surrounding death.

The passage from the Book of Wisdom is quite consoling. It tells us that the righteous dead are secure in the protection of God. Only the foolish think that “their going forth from us [is] utter destruction.” We grieve over their death. Their passing is our loss. But is it their loss? No. We believe their hope cannot end with death.

Today is a good day to reflect on our own mortality. We know that at some future time our earthly lives will end. That is the reality for all of us. As committed Christians, we believe we are in a relationship with our God of love and mercy, but there is also some responsibility on our part to be faithful in that relationship. We need to ask ourselves some hard questions and be honest with our response. How do I live each day? How do I deepen our relationship with God every day? How do I share that relationship with others? 

Jesus gives us the answer. He tells us, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one comes to the Father but through me.” We do not have to know everything, but we must know, love and be committed to Jesus. This is not always easy but is worth the effort considering our future in relationship with our loving God for all eternity.

The reading from the Book of Wisdom ends with these reassuring words. “Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with him in love: because grace and mercy are with his holy ones, and his care is with his elect.”

How would I feel or act if I knew I was going to die today and had to face God?

What would help me to live each day as if it were my last?