The Feast of All Souls, Nov.2, 2006

Scripture: Wisdom 3:1-9. Psalm 23. Romans 5:5-11. Matthew 5:1-12a

This day is set aside for remembering those who have gone to the Lord who created each one of them from the beginning of time. All cultures, races, and religions have a way of remembering their departed loved ones and family members. The liturgy reminds us that we are all members of the family of God and, therefore, it is right to pray and remember those who belong to God, having departed from this world in their appointed time. We all must face that final moment and it is scary, but we are in the hands of God as our first reading says.

Formerly, on this day, we Catholics were able to celebrate three masses. Now we have one. And what I have done is simply choose the first set of many readings offered for the dead in the lectionary. Usually, there are three readings in addition to the Psalm Response and the Gospel Acclamation. I will briefly comment on these readings today and add the words of a song composed by the Benedictine Father Harry Hagan, O.S.B. (Order of St. Benedict).

Wisdom is one of the books called deutero-canonical, that is, they are like a second canon of inspired books. The Catholic Church has seven such works in our bible. Most of them may have been written in the city of Alexandria, Egypt which favored wisdom like literature. At the time they were written, Alexandria probably had the best library in the world. The Book of Wisdom stresses the immortality of the soul and speaks about it in our passage so it is quite appropriate for today's feast. I like the following phrases: "The souls of the just are in the hand of God...they are at peace. ... For grace and mercy are with his holy ones and care with his elect."

We are all familiar with Psalm 23 and is probably the most popular Psalm among us Americans, "The Lord is my Shepherd." The Psalm consoles us who mourn our departed loved ones and shows us that trust in God's providential care is a most comforting thought and prayer.

In the selection from Romans Paul is demonstrating the efficacy of the redemption achieved by the death of Jesus for all of humankind. I chose the following phrases for my thought today: "But God proves his love for us in that while we were sinners Christ died for us. Hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us."

The first selection for a Gospel for the Mass of the Dead is taken from Matthew's narrative giving us the words of Jesus in the Beatitudes which happened to be the Gospel for all Saints, yesterday's feast. It is easily seen that the two days are closely related. Even October 31 is called All Hallows Eve. We have, as it were, a triduum of thought and prayer for the holy ones who have gone before us with the sign of faith. One of my Jewish friends read my comments on the Feast of yesterday and said I should keep in mind the Holiness Code found in Leviticus 17:1-26:46. Such a reading would help me to understand the Beatitudes which are Jesus' call to holiness for us. Contained in this Code are the law of holiness, the sacredness of sex, various rules of conduct, penalties, priestly sanctity, rules of sacrifice, the liturgical year, additional legislation, holy years, sanctions, and redemption of votive offerings.

As a beautiful reflection on the past two or three days of liturgical readings, I found the words of Fr. Hagan quite prayerful and helpful:

Rejoice for all the saints this day, Who run by faith the narrow way. The great and low together stand With glory crowned at God's right hand.

How blest are they the Spirit's poor, Their king is Jesus Christ the Lord, And all who mourned have found new birth; The patient meek await the earth.

How blest are those who fought the fight, God's justice fills their thirst for right. The pure of heart God's face behold; The merciful have overllowed.

Most blest the Father and the Son, Most Blest the Spirit, Three in One. Your kingdom come, your will be done Your praise forever more be sung. Amen.