Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls)
(Wisdom 3:1-9; Romans 6:3-9; John 6:37-40)
The custom of remembering the dead has a long history. Early Christians assumed the traditions of
pagan ancestors. In the Middle Ages local
churches observed different days to pray for the dead. It is thought that the designation of
November 2 to pray for the dead originated with St. Odilo, an abbot of the
famous Benedictine monastery of Cluny.
He ordained that all monasteries founded from Cluny offer special
prayers for the dead on the day after All Saints Day.
In today’s gospel Jesus hints at the appropriateness of
praying for the dead. He says that no
one who believes in him will be rejected.
The need for prayer comes from the honest recognition that most people
don’t follow Jesus perfectly. The living
pray to God that their beloved dead will be perfected soon so that they can
join Christ in glory.
Hoping that people will pray for us when we die, we pray for
our beloved dead. We are aware of our
imperfections but also of God’s mercy.
We believe that just by carrying out this act of mercy, we are coming
closer to God.
