Let us honor and help our departed brothers and sisters through prayer and sacrifice
Reflections on the readings for the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls) (November 2, 2018): WIS 3:1-9; PS 23:1-3,3-4,5,6; ROM 5:5-11; Matthew 25:31-46
MISSIO offers “Preaching Mission,” as a homily help, providing connections to mission from the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
Yesterday we celebrated the Saints, those faithful souls who are already enveloped by the glory of God in heaven.
Today we center our thoughts and prayers on the Faithful Departed who are in purgatory. Because these souls retain some scars from the sins they committed, they are being purified in order to be ready for the Beatific Vision. Because of the Father’s generosity and Christ’s sacrifice, they are destined to make their home in heaven. “God proves His love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. How much more then, since we are now justified by His Blood, will we be saved through Him from the wrath.… We also boast of God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation” (Romans 5:8-9, 11).
Since the early days of the Church, people have prayed for those who have gone before them. And we continue that tradition of asking God to show His mercy to them, and so hasten their entry into heaven. Charitable actions and gifts, as well as personal sacrifices can also be made on behalf of loved ones and all those being prepared for their everlasting life with God. We can and should recall them each day by asking our Lord to grant our departed brothers and sisters eternal rest.
