The Commemoration of All Souls

Wis. 3:1-9, Rom. 5:5-11, Jn 6:37-40. In the commemoration of All Souls, we recall how we shared relationship with the Lord who keeps us in communion with our loved ones who have died. There is interrelationship between all those who are in the communion of saints. According to the teachings of the Church, the Communion of Saints is divided into three parts: the Church militant; the Church suffering; and the Church triumphant, those who are rejoicing with the Lord Jesus in Heaven. The Church militant are those of us still fighting the spiritual battle here on earth. We are still in the struggle against the forces of evil and facing opposition as we make our journey to the house of our God. The Church suffering are those who have passed from this life, but are not yet completed their journey with God. The Catholic Church calls this transitional state, before they can fully realise the glory of Heaven, “Purgatory.” This state of “purgation” are reserved for all those who have lived a life which was not eternally damning yet still missed being right on target.

The reality of the state of "purgation", proclaims the mercy of God and His justice who rewards everyone according to the conduct of ones own life. Since, they are yet to be cleansed from the temporal punishment due to their venial sins, they cannot immediately attain the beatific vision. Today's first reading reminds us that God wants the best for us and will provide more than we can ever imagine. In the same way, Jesus in today’s Gospel captures the real value of the commemoration of All Souls with this comforting words: “...that I should lose nothing of all he has given me but raise it up at the last day.” Through our prayers, mortification and sacrifice of the Mass we can help to purge them off their sins. Our prayers keep us in contact with them and give expression to our ongoing communion with them in the Lord. They await what is promised: eternal life and our prayers hasten that for them. It is comforting to know that “Jesus rejects no one the Father has given him” and reassuring also that “The souls of our loved ones are in the hands of God and no torment will ever touch them.” Therefore, on this All Souls Day, let us remember all the holy souls in Purgatory, especially those who have no one to pray for them, that God may have mercy on them and remembering His great love, compassion and kindness, may be moved to allow them to enter into His glorious Kingdom at the soonest opportunity, to enjoy the inheritance that we ourselves will one day enjoy with them, if we remain faithful to God.

May the Lord make our hope steadfast as we await the resurrection of all the faithful departed, may the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace! Amen!! Good morning and peace be with you!!!