The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed
(All Souls)
Today we celebrate the Feast of All Souls. We remember those faithful departed who have left this world. Today’s readings remind us that we should not focus on death, but rejoice in the “hope of immortality” that God promises to those who believe.
All the readings today remind us that God is always near. The first reading states, “The souls of the just are in the hand of God,” and these same souls “shall abide with him in love.” God, our Shepherd, guides us through the “verdant pastures” as well as the “dark valley.” Throughout all of our lives, God is with us giving us courage and guidance.
St. Paul reminds us that we are baptized into Christ’s death, so we will be “united with him in the resurrection.” There is no denial that we will experience pain, suffering and death, but because of our faith in the risen Christ, we know that this is not the end. In the gospel, Jesus promises that He will not reject anyone who comes to him, but Jesus offers eternal life and resurrection, “for this is the will of my Father.”
As members of the Body of Christ, how should we celebrate this feast? The Church calls us to pray for all of those who have passed away that they will know the grace and mercy of God. We are invited to celebrate their lives and honor them in special ways. Our parish celebrates special Masses and a service (Evensong) where those recently departed are named and commemorated in a special way. Bringing these faithful to God in prayer is a way to celebrate their lives on earth, but it also provides us with hope as we celebrate the promises that God has shared throughout the ages. Death is a part of our human existence, but from birth through death, God is at our side, and death is not the end, but the new beginning of being one with God forever.
As we spend time in prayer today, let us lift up those faithful departed who have gone before us. May we celebrate their lives and pray that when God calls us home, we will join them in “house of the LORD” forevermore.
Eternal rest, grant unto them O LORD. And let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls and all the souls of the faithfully departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace. AMEN.
-Marylynn Herchline