Cycle A - Year II:

2 November 2020: Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed

(Liturgical Color: White or Violet)

Readings:

First Mass: First Reading: 2 Maccabees 12:43-46

Second Reading: Romans 8:31-35, 37-39

Gospel Reading: John 14:1-6

Second Mass: First Reading: Wisdom 3:1-9

Second Reading: Romans 6:3-4, 8-9

Gospel Reading: John 6:37-40

"Let us pray for our loved ones departed."

We celebrate on 2 November the Catholic tradition of the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, or more popularly known as All Souls Day.

All Souls Day is celebrated with Masses and festivities in honor of those gone ahead of us. This Feast reminds us of our obligation to live holy lives and that there will be purification of the souls of those destined for heaven.

The living pray on behalf of the souls who are still in Purgatory, the state of afterlife where souls are purified before proceeding to heaven. Souls in Purgatory, who are members of the Church just like living Christians, must undergo suffering so that they can be purged of their sins. Thus, All Souls Day is a special time to pray for their souls that they may be received into heaven.

Upon death, it is believed that souls have not yet been cleansed of sins. Praying for souls of loved ones helps to remove the stain of sin, and allow the souls to enter the pearly gates of heaven. Through prayers and good works living members of the Church may help their departed friends and family.

All priests are permitted to celebrate three Masses today, with the following intentions: one of the Masses in favor of any person, and accept a stipend for this Mass; the second Mass for all the faithful departed; and the third Mass for the intention of the Supreme Pontiff. The second and third Masses the priest may not accept a stipend. (Apostolic Constitution of Pope Benedict XV, 10 August 1915)

This year's observance of All Souls Day is different because government authorities have declared cemeteries and columbarium closed from 31 October to 3 November as precautionary measure against the spread of the corona virus. So instead of visiting the tombs of our loved ones, let us remember through our prayers and lighting of candles in our homes...... and then pray that the dead do not visit us "visibly" in our homes.

Short reflection on the Gospel reading (Jn 141-6):

Jesus assures the disciples that when He departs from them it is for their good as He will secure a place for them in God's home, a place of refuge, peace, and everlasting joy.

Jesus proclaims: "I am the Way." It means the Lord does not simply give advice and direction. He personally is the Way, and we cannot miss it. The Lord leads and guides us personally each day.

Our Lord Jesus is also the Truth. Jesus embodies the truth in His very person. Moral truths cannot be conveyed by words alone; it must be shown by examples as well.

Finally, Jesus is the Life. He does not only show us the path of life; He gives the kind of life which only God can give, and that is eternal life with Him in heaven.

The Lord Jesus also assures us today of a safe passage to our home in heaven, with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

On this Feast of All Souls Day, our faith teaches that death is the passage of the earthly pilgrimage to the heavenly homeland. At that time, our loving Father welcomes all His children returning home, from every nation, from all tribes and people and tongues.

May our Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed be an opportunity to think without fear about the mystery of death, and prepare us to face it with serenity.

Prayer:

Merciful Father, hear our prayers and console us, as we renew our faith in Your Son, whom You raised from the dead.

Strengthen our hope that all our departed brothers and sisters will share in His resurrection, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

A blessed All Souls Day. And thank you for a moment with God.

Ad Jesum per Mariam!