The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, November 2, 2006
Thursday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls)

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Reading I: Wisdom 3:1-9
Psalm 25:6 and 7b, 17-18, 20-21
Reading II: Romans 5:5-11
John 6:37-40

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

The Church has set aside today as a time to commemorate the souls of the faithful departed. It is an act of charity to pray for the deceased and many persons do so throughout the year. It is interesting to note the tone of the day as many of us become saddened as we recall the lives of our deceased family and friends and the relationships that we once enjoyed with them. But should we really be sad?

We need to recall that grief is about us, not the deceased. Our loved ones have already “passed the test” and are—we hope—reaping their just rewards. They are much more assured of eternity in heaven than we are. They are the fortunate ones! As stated in our first reading, "The souls of the just are in the hand of God. They are in peace." (Wisdom 3:1)

While we continue to pray for our loved ones and ask for their intercession we need to keep our own eyes on the mark: our relationship with Christ. As stated in the beautiful gospel of John for today, Christ said "I will not reject anyone who comes to me.”

- Joan of Jesus, OCDS
(jmurphy at utica dot edu)