2 November 2021: Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed

(Liturgical Color: Violet or White)

Reflection for All Souls Day

(Suggested short meditation on the Word of God for lay people, from nickisip.blogspot.com

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Cycle B - Year I

Readings:

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

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

Gospel: John 14:1-6

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

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

Gospel: John 6:37-40

Remembering our loved ones departed.

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

All Souls Day is a commemoration of the dead, a communal commemoration of those who have died. It allows time for collective remembrance, sorrow, and hope during a time of year.

This special 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.

According to Catholic belief, the soul of a person who dies can go to one of these places. The first is heaven, where a person who dies in a state of perfect grace and communion with God goes. The second is hell, where those who die in a state of mortal sin are naturally condemned by their own choice. The intermediate option is Purgatory which is thought to be where most people, free of mortal sin, but still in a state of lesser (venial) sin, must go.

Purgatory is necessary so that souls can be cleansed and perfected before they enter into heaven. The living pray on behalf of the souls who are still in Purgatory. Praying for souls of loved ones helps to remove the stain of sin, and allow the souls to enter the pearly gates of heaven. And All Souls Day is a special time to pray for their souls that they may be received into heaven.

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 priests may not accept a stipend. (Apostolic Constitution of Pope Benedict XV, 10 August 1915)

Like last year at the start of the pandemic, expect that government authorities might again declare cemeteries and columbarium closed as precautionary measure against the spread of the corona virus. It is best to listen to announcement in this regard by the specific Local Government Units (LGUs). At any rate, if we cannot visit the tombs of our loved ones, let us remember through prayers and lighting of candles in a safe place at home..... and then pray that the dead do not visit us "visibly" in our homes.

Short reflection on the Gospel: (Jn 14:1-6)

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 kingdom, 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 is personally 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.

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

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 sisters and brothers will share in His resurrection, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

A blessed Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed. And thank you for a moment with God.

Ad Jesum per Mariam!

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