Fr Christopher Foeckler, MJ • St Josaphat Formation Center • Phoenix, AZ

During the month of November we remember in a special way the deceased members of our families and friends. With the feast of All Souls on November 2nd, we renew our prayers and our great hope for the happy repose of the souls of our loved ones – especially those who have entered eternity this past year.

Due to acute sadness around the time of the funerals of our loved ones, it is often possible for us to pass quickly over the consoling messages that the Church offers in the beautiful Scriptures and prayers used in the services for the faithful departed – even if we were the ones who chose them. All Souls’ Day is a time to review and reflect on those texts with the comfort of a little distance in time from the sad days of our dear ones’ passing. It is also a time to remember our beloved in prayers and especially our Masses. The Church, as a good Mother, offers us this time of renewed mourning and actually accompanies us each in our grieving with the comfort of special Masses offered throughout the universal Church for the eternal rest of our loved ones. These passages can help console by deepening our Faith in the solemn promises of Our Lord.

Jesus told Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.” John 11:25-26

“We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, about those who have fallen asleep, so that you may not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose, so too will God, through Jesus, bring with him those who have fallen asleep.” 1Thes 4:13-14

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be.” John 14: 1-3

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