All Souls

Gospel: John 6: 37-40

Today's feast is an expression of God's own creed - that every single person is loved and cared for by God.  The arc of salvation history is that nothing, no one might be lost - that all might find their way into the kingdom of God.  This creed of God is expressed in the life and ministry of Jesus who went from town to town healing everyone without exception - people of all races, genders, creeds, and backgrounds.  No one was excluded at the table where Jesus ate.

That the Church has had this feast for nearly its entire existence represents a firm commitment to the creed of God.  Today and throughout this month the Church encourages us to pray for all people who have come before us and who now rest in death.  Special memorial Masses and displays of pictures of those who have passed will be present in churches throughout the world.  Lists of those who have passed will be created, and prayers will be said with great intention and fervor.  

Today and throughout the month it might be helpful in our own prayer life to make lists of those we have known who have passed, to perhaps light a candle each day and remember them in our prayers.  We might also visit a cemetery and just randomly walk about seeing grave stones and offering prayer for whomever lies in these tombs, whether we know them or not.  This day and month are set aside for expanding our capacity to love and care for all souls of all people.