On the Feast of All Souls, we pray for the souls of all those who have died. Since this feast day falls on a Sunday this year, there are many choices of readings for this day - all focusing on our belief in the resurrection of the dead and Jesus’ promise of eternal life. In the Archdiocese of Washington, the Gospel reading is from John 6:37-40.
“And this is the will of the one who sent me, that I should not lose anything of what he gave me, but that I should raise it on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day.”
Questions:
Do I actually believe this and live with this promise?
How do I envision death? My future passing?
Reflections:
“As we grieve those who have died, may we find some solace in the Easter Truth – hope does not disappoint. Death does not have the final say. It never will. Jesus paved the way for people to enter into glory when their journey on earth ends.
On this annual feast day, we celebrate the gift of everlasting life. This day offers sacred time and space to lament and remember all who have passed before us – especially family, friends.
Grief is a hard and heavy transition, not to be glazed over. We are called to come together as a praying community to rejoice and to weep, to wonder and remember the Easter promise: Hope does not disappoint.” – Jessie Bazan, Director, Benedictine Institute
Each Sunday, in our profession of faith, we believe in the Communion of Saints. We continue to share a relationship with those who have died.
All Soul’s Day Prayer Liturgy:
The response is: “We entrust them to your abiding love.” Pause briefly to remember after each of the following is named.
Those taken from us all too soon . . .
All who died while incarcerated . . .
People afflicted with a terminal disease . . .
Children stillborn or miscarried . . .
First responders who died trying to save lives . . .
People who took their own lives . . .
Those who suffered from addictions . . .
Missionaries, pastors, and staff members . . .
Loved ones who slipped away without warning. .
Fearful ones who did not die peacefully . . .
Victims of war, violence, and abuse of any kind ..
Persons surprised by death during surgery . . .
Elderly men and women, those in nursing homes
People who left without extending forgiveness . . .
Men and women who died while at work . . .
Traffic accident fatalities and homicide victims. . Parents who left behind their young children . . .
Those filled with excruciating, unbearable pain . .
Person who lived unknown and lonely lives . . .
Each person dear to us whom we miss today . . .
Prayer: We turn to you, Comforter of Hope. We remember the presence of those we knew. Once more we entrust them to your abiding love, praying for their peace and ours, too. We gather strength from kinship with those whose hearts also ache with the absence of loved ones. Grant us freedom from our grief. With your grace we will surrender as best we can to the mystery of death and what lies behind it. In you we place our trust. Amen. Prayer Seeds, Sister Joyce Rupp.
Deacon David – St. Andrew’s Parish
Deacon David
Deacon David Suley
St. Andrew Apostle Catholic Church
Silver Spring, Maryland
Published with Permission
