November 2, 2014

All Souls

November 2, 2014:  Commemoration of all the faithful departed / All Souls

Guest dresser:
Mom, who turned 100 today.
Please praise God for her
and keep her in your prayers!

  • 'Peace sign' tie bar:  The souls of the just are in peace. (1st reading)
  • Gold-colored accoutrements:  As gold in the furnace, he proved them (1st reading)
  • 'Sheep' bar:  The Lord is my shepherd (psalm)
  • Green in blouse/shirt:  In verdant pastures he gives me repose (psalm); Ordinary Time (season)
  • Blue in blouse/tie:  Beside restful waters he leads me (psalm)
  • 'Silverware' bar:  You spread the table before me (psalm)
  • 'Hand' tie pin:  The souls of the just are in the hand of God... (1st reading)
  • 'Crown' tie: The Lord shall be their King forever. (1st reading)




Listen
For the 1st reading
For the gospel
But wait; there's more
Pope Francis
Angelus:   Yesterday's and today's celebrations are intimately linked; we rejoice through the intercession of the saints, share the tears of those separated from loved ones, and thank God who has delivered us from sin and death.   Remember everyone, even the unremembered:  victims of violence; little ones crushed by hunger and poverty, the anonymous in common graves, those killed because they're Christians, and those who sacrificed their life to serve others.   Church tradition has urged prayer for the dead; it's the best help we can give.  "Conscious of this communion of the whole Mystical Body of Christ, the Church... has cultivated... the memory of the dead" (Lumen Gentium 50).   It's a witness of hope, rooted in the certainty that death isn't the last word because we're destined to life without limits, rooted and fulfilled in God.  Pray:  

 God of mercy, we entrust to you all who have left this world for eternity, where you await all humanity, redeemed by your Son's blood.   When you judge, don't look at our poverty and weakness; look with pity and help us walk the path of purification.   May none of your children be lost.   We entrust our departed to you, those who died without the Sacraments or who didn't have the opportunity to repent.   May no one fear the encounter with you but rather hope for your merciful embrace.  May death find us watching in prayer and full of the good we've done.  M ay nothing distance us from you; may everything and everyone support us in our hope to rest in you.

May the Virgin Mary, Gate of Heaven, who suffered the drama of Christ's death and participated in the joy of his resurrection, help us understand the value of prayer for the dead, support us in our pilgrimage on earth, and help us not lose sight of heaven, the goal of life.
Thank you, Pope Francis, for your blessing of Mom on her centennial.

  • Wis 3:1-9  The souls of the just are in God's hands .   They seemed dead and their going from us destruction, but they're at peace, have hope, and will be blessed.  God proved them, found them worthy, and shall be their King.  They'll shine, judge, rule, and abide with Lord.
    Wordle: Readings 12-2-14
  • Ps 23:1-6  "The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want."  He's beside me, giving me rest, courage, refreshment, and guidance.  I fear no evil.  Kindness follows me; I'll dwell in God's house forever.
  • Rom 6:3-9  W e were baptized into Christ's death, buried with him so we, like he, might have new life.  United with him in death, we'll be united with him in the resurrection.  We were crucified with him so we might no longer be slaves to sin.  We who have died with Christ believe we'll live with him.   Christ, raised, dies no more; death has no power over him.
  • Jn 6:37-40  “Everything the Father gives me will come to me, and I won't reject anyone who comes to me.  The Father wants me to raise what he gave me to life.”
Reflect
    • Creighton:  We can experience purgatory on earth.  What unhealthy habits keep me from deeper knowledge of God?  How can I embody loved ones' traits to help me better serve God?  God wants everyone who sees and believes in the Son to have eternal life and be raised on the last day.
    • One Bread One Body:  "Prayer on the other side of death":   Providing sacrifices for the dead was considered "excellent and noble" (2 Mc 12:43).  Many are confused or doubtful about praying for the dead, but the Holy Spirit will show us how to pray.
    • Passionist:   The death of a loved can be a very deep loss, or act of faith and "letting go." We're baptized into Christ's death that we may live with him.
    • DailyScripture.net:   God gives us his life and the desire for unending life and happiness.  Job:   "I know my Redeemer lives and will stand on the earth; and in my flesh I shall see God" (19:25-27).  David:  "M y heart is glad, my tongue rejoices, and my body will rest, because you won't abandon me... nor let me see decay.  You make known to me the path of life and will fill me with joy in your presence" (Ps 16:9-11).   The Lord makes his presence known in his word (Jn 14:23), the breaking of the bread, his church, and other ways to those with faith (Heb 12:2, 11:27).   To live, grow, and persevere, we must nourish faith with God's word.  Augustine:  "I believe to understand, and I understand to believe."  Do I recognize the Lord's presence in my life and long to see him face to face?  Is my life anchored to Christ and his kingdom?

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