Word to the Wise
Tuesday, November 2, 2010 - All Souls Day
[Wisdom 3:1-9; Romans 5:5-11 OR Romans 6:3-9; John 6:37-40.]The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace. [Wisdom]
I remember from my days as a pastor in San Antonio the vivid celebration of the feast of All Souls. There it was called Dia de los Muertos (the day of the dead). On one occasion, I had a funeral to celebrate on that day, and when the procession reached the Catholic cemetery I thought I had arrived at the Rose Bowl parade! The entire cemetery was like one giant florist's shop! Many people came and spent the day and literally spread picnics on the tombs of their departed loved ones! They brought a food or beverage that the deceased liked, or in the case of a deceased child, a favorite toy! The whole celebration is one of joy and affection in the midst of remembered grief. By way of contrast I also recall the celebration of All Souls Day in the liturgy prior to the Second Vatican Council! November 2nd was one of two days in the year that a priest could celebrate three Masses. The priest wore black vestments and the mournful sequence (hymn) "Dies ira," was sung or read. It was a workout for the priest and for us altar boys to celebrate three Masses in a row without a break - (the fasting rules were much stricter then!!). The tone of the celebration was somber and the emphasis was on the mercy and judgment of God. The theological emphasis of the celebration of All Souls has shifted appreciably from the somber to a more festive (or at least less judgmental) tone. I'm not sure that the Anglo-Saxon somberness has changed all that much culturally. Perhaps churches or relatives make an effort to clean up the cemetery in anticipation of the day. I think much can be learned from the Hispanic/Latin celebration. When I go home, I try to visit the cemeteries where my parents and sister are buried to remind myself that they are still very much a part of my life, and to pray for them just as I hope they pray for me! Knowing my sister's love of a good party, I almost wish I could oblige her, but at least today I can celebrate the Eucharist for her, my parents and all those whose lives have intersected mine for better or for worse, and for all the departed. After all, it is ALL Souls Day! AMEN
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