Word to the Wise
Sunday, November 2, 2014 - Nov. 2 - The Commemoration of all the Faithful Departed (All Souls)
[Wisdom 3:1-9; Rom. 5:5-11 or Rom. 6:3-9; John 6:37-40]Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and I will not reject anyone who comes to me...[John]
[Wisdom 3:1-9; Romans 5:5-11 or 6:3-9; John 6:37-40] There are many options.
The celebration of All Souls Day is not meant to be a follow-up to All Saints Day, as if All Souls Day is for those who don't somehow get included on All Saints Day! The two days have each their own dignity and meaning. The first is a reminder of the universal call to holiness that baptism signifies. The second is a reminder that God holds all of creation and every human person in mind and does not desire that even one be lost. Our doctrine of purgatory allows for imperfection that can be remedied in our relationship with God even after death. Yes, some will reject even that, but we do not make the decision about their eternal destiny.
Our deceased families and friends remain with us in memory. All Souls Day is often celebrated by visiting their graves and decorating the graves with flowers or other objects associated with the deceased. Masses are celebrated at the cemetery chapels. God has given us the gift of love and we show that love even for our deceased loved ones. We Dominicans recite the De Profundis psalm [130] every day for deceased members of the Dominican order. It is the ability to bond in love that transcends death which we celebrate on All Souls Day. May the Souls of the Faithful Departed rest in peace. AMEN