Death is but a passage to life, to the real life where all of us are destined to reach.

Today we pray for all of those who have gone ahead of us in death,

that through God’s mercy they will receive the reward of eternal life with him.

We pray for ourselves too that when our time comes, we will share in the same reward. 

 

 ＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊  

Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9

The souls of the just are in the hands of God

And no torment shall touch them. In the eyes of the unwise they appear to be dead. Their going is held as a disaster; it seems that they lose everything by departing from us, but they are in peace. Though seemingly they have been punished, immortality was the soul of their hope. After slight affliction will come great blessings, for God has tried them and found them worthy to be with him; after testing them as gold in the furnace, he has accepted them as a holocaust.

 

At the time of his coming they will shine like sparks that run in the stubble. They will govern nations and rule over peoples, and the Lord will be their king forever. Those who trust in him will penetrate the truth, those who are faithful will live with him in love, for his grace and mercy are for his chosen ones.

 

Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4,5,6 The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want

 

＊＊＊ 2nd Reading ＊＊＊

Romans 5:5-11 (or Romans 6:3-9)

And hope does not disappoint us, because the Holy Spirit has been given to us, pouring into our hearts the love of God. Consider, moreover, the time that Christ died for us: when we were still helpless and unable to do anything. Few would accept to die for an upright person; although, for a very good person, perhaps someone would dare to die.

 

But see how God manifested his love for us: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us; and we have become just, through his blood. With much more reason now he will save us from any condemnation. Once enemies, we have been reconciled with God through the death of his Son; with much more reason, now we may be saved, through his life. Not only that, but we even boast in God because of Christ Jesus, our Lord, through whom we have been reconciled.

 

＊＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊＊      

John 6:37-40

Yet all those whom the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me, I shall not turn away. For I have come from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of the One who sent me.

And the will of him who sent me is that I lose nothing of what he has given me, but instead that I raise it up on the last day. This is the will of the Father, that whoever sees the Son and believes in him shall live eternal life; and I will raise him up on the last day."And the will of him who sent me is that I lose nothing of what he has given me, but instead that I raise it up on the last day. This is the will of the Father, that whoever sees the Son and believes in him shall live eternal life; and I will raise him up on the last day."

 

Gospel Reflection ：

"To purify our souls during our time on earth." 

I've long had a personal devotion to the poor souls that we remember today. Often when I am facing a difficult task or a minor ailment, I'll make it a point to offer my struggles for the poor souls. To me, this devotion is a symbol of the Church's solidarity. Those of us living on earth are able to give aid to our brothers and sisters awaiting the purification that will allow them to enter heaven.

 

When I pray or sacrifice for the poor souls, I feel like I am doing my part for the family that has gone before me. And I trust that those who come after me will do the same for me.

 

We trust that those who die in faith will spend eternity with God in heaven. Still, a time of purification may be needed to make their souls fit for the presence of God. Today serves as a reminder to us of the need to purify our souls during our time on earth so that we will be ready to live with God forever.