Cycle C - Year II:  

2 November 2022: 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:                 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

Gone but not forgotten!

TODAY the living remember and pray for their loved ones who passed on to the next life.  November 2 is the Catholic tradition of the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, more popularly known as All Souls Day. This day allows time for collective remembrance, sorrow, and hope during a time of year.  This Feast also reminds us of our obligation to live holy lives and that there will be purification of the souls of those destined for heaven.

Catholics believe that the soul of a person who dies can go to one of these places. The first is in 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.

In the Catholic teaching, we learn that Purgatory is necessary so that souls can be cleansed and perfected before they are allowed entry into Heaven. The living need to pray on behalf of the souls who are still in Purgatory, because praying for them helps to remove the stain of sin, and allow the souls to enter the pearly gates of Heaven.  All Souls Day is a special time to pray for these souls that they may be received in Heaven.

All Souls Day is celebrated with Masses and festivities in honor of those gone ahead of us.  All priests are permitted to celebrate three Masses today with the following intentions: one Mass 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).

All Souls Day in 2022:  It is likely that this year civil authorities may allow people to visit physically cemeteries and columbarium to pray for their dead, with necessary basic health protocol since the pandemic is still with us.  It is best to listen to announcement of your specific Local Government Units (LGUs).

Short Reflection on the Gospel: (John 14:1-6)

Jesus assures the disciples that He will secure a place for them in God's kingdom, a place of refuge, peace, and everlasting joy. That is why it is for their good that He leaves them.

Then Jesus proclaims: "I am the Way". He is truly the Way and we cannot miss it. The Lord leads and guides us personally each day.

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 gives the kind of life which only God can give, and that is eternal life with Him in heaven.

So, the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed is an opportunity for us to think without fear about the mystery of death, and prepare ourselves to face it with serenity.

Let us pray: 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, God forever and ever. Amen.

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

Ad Jesum per Mariam!