Homily for All Souls Day

 

Wis 3:1-9

Ps 27:1, 4, 7-9, 13-14

1 Cor 15:51-57

Jn 6:37-40

 

St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, Burkburnett, TX

Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Wichita Falls, TX

 

Many of us focus on death only at the time of a funeral. Every Sunday, we recite the words of the Credo, “I believe in the resurrection of the body and life everlasting” but the words become routine until someone close to us dies. Only then, it seems do those ancient words carry new weight and a fresh promise.

The readings from Sacred Scripture we just heard proclaimed are among those frequently heard at funerals. This is not a coincidence. At a Christian funeral, we do not gather to memorialize the deceased in a sentimental ‘celebration of life.’ A Christian funeral is a vehicle for the expression of our emotions of grief, yes, but it is mainly a statement of our faith and a time of prayer. Today, on All Souls Day, we gather to remember our beloved dead in a less emotional manner, but still with deep love and abiding faith. Perhaps for some, the passing of time has provided some measure of healing so that we can view them from a clearer perspective. Those trumpet sounds and clarion calls of faith ringing out in the scripture readings for this Holy Mass can be heard more clearly without the blur and numbness of grieving that is still fresh. “The souls of the just are in the hand of the Lord…yet is their hope full of immortality.” (Wis 3:1, 4) “We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life.” (Rom 6:4) “I should not lose anything of what [the Father] gave me, but that I should raise it on the last day.” (Jn 6:39) These are not empty platitudes. They are firm and sure promises from God of the eternal life that awaits. They are unchanging statements of our faith. They are pillars of hope to which we cling in the midst of loss.

Today is a day of remembrance. We recall all those people in our lives who have deeply impacted us, touched us, have travelled part of life’s pilgrim journey with us. Were they perfect human beings? Of course not – they all had their limitations, as do we. And that realistic memory of them makes them stand out all the more in our lives. They have accompanied us, supported us in prayer, and helped make us who we are. It is good to remember fondly those who have gone ahead of us and wait for us and continue to pray for us.

Today is a day of faith. In the very face of death, we confess and affirm our faith in the Risen Lord and His promise of eternal life. Death is the end of our earthly life, but it is not the end for our immortal souls. It is not even the final end for our bodies, because they will await the resurrection of the dead at the end of time. For those who are faithful disciples of Jesus Christ, a beautiful future awaits! All Souls Day is a day to affirm our sure and certain belief in eternal life.

Finally, All Souls Day is a day of prayer. Death frightens us and we can feel powerless in its presence. But our Catholic faith teaches us that our prayer can bring us comfort and healing. Praying for those who have died keeps us connected to them – they are part of the Communion of Saints, whether as Church Triumphant in Heaven or Church Suffering in Purgatory. Our prayers speed our loved ones on their way to eternal joy united with God, gazing on the face of our Heavenly Father for all ages.

Today is a solemn day. It is filled with memories, with faith, and with prayer. Those who followed the Lord in their time on earth give us examples to follow and emulate. Sacred Scripture testifies to what awaits them and us and shores up our faithful hope in the life to come. We intercede for those who may have fallen short and are in need of our prayers to help them along. Today is beautiful day of remembrance and reconciliation with our Lord, which we all need. It is a gift from Holy Mother Church to us, her dear children.

St. Joseph, Comfort of the Sorrowing, Pray for Us!