Wisdom 3:1-9, Psalm 23; Romans 6:3-9; John 6:37-40
If we have grown in union with Him through a death like His,
we shall also be united with Him in the resurrection. (Romans 6:5)
As children of God we are not made for death. We are made for what comes after the mysterious tunnel of death – life without end. Therefore, on All Souls’ Day we pray for two important intentions: first, that our departed loved ones will soon enter heaven (along with all the “holy souls”), and that we on earth will live holy lives in order to enter heaven after we depart from this life.
God ardently desires us to enter into His glory, but a soul must be perfectly pure to be able to enjoy the dazzling presence of infinite Love. Therefore, all of us can offer prayers and sacrifices for those who may be detained in Purgatory, so that they may quickly be purified from any remaining faults and enter Paradise. In a wonderful mutual exchange of love, “Our prayer for them is capable not only of helping them, but also of making their intercession for us effective.” (Catechism 958)
Today’s readings are consoling and can best be shared with those who have suffered the loss of a loved one, because death doesn’t have the last say. Life does.
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 3:1-9)
“The just” are those who are living in friendship with God, in a state of freedom from serious sin, known as “the state of grace”. Throughout our lives we can grow in grace through our prayers, good works, and especially by receiving the Sacraments. After the moment of death, we cannot gain any more grace. We can no longer increase the bliss that we will enjoy in heaven forever.
Now is the time to make peace with God and everyone we come in contact with before we make the passage into eternity. Some spiritual helps to make this a peaceful passage are:
- Devotion to Saint Joseph, patron of “a happy (well-provided) death”
- Reception of the Sacraments, especially the Anointing of the Sick
- Trust in the Lord’s infinite mercy with total confidence
Scripture, too, offers consolation – the reward to be with God in heaven, beholding his beautiful face forever.
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creatures will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)
During this month of the Holy Souls, the Sisters will be praying for all those who have gone before us and are still being purified for heaven. Know that we will be especially praying for those souls you have known and loved. Merciful Jesus, grant them eternal life!
Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning (Psalm 30:5)
and then