We are ONE in the Mystical Body of Christ

COMMEMORATION OF ALL THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED

2 Nov 2022

[ John 6: 37-40 ]

In 2 Maccabees 12: 38-46, Judas Maccabee had ordered that sacrifices be offered in the Temple in Jerusalem for the slain Jewish soldiers who had sinned against God by wearing pagan amulets. And ‘he made atonement for the dead, so that they might be delivered from their sin.’ [2 Ma 12: 46]

 

Every 2nd Nov, the Catholic Church commemorates the souls of all the faithful departed (the Church Penitent) who are being purified before their final entry into the Kingdom of Heaven (the Church Triumphant). Even though it is not a Holy Day of Obligation, we are encouraged to attend Mass and to pray for the faithful departed. We pray and intercede for these faithful souls that God, in His infinite love and abundant mercy, deliver them from their sins.

 

In the Mystical Body of Christ, we (the Church Militant) are closely united with these faithful souls (the Church Penitent). As we pray for these faithful souls, they benefit from our prayers. We do not just pray for our departed loved ones. Instead, we are encouraged to also pray for others especially for those whose souls have no one to pray for.

This is the promise of Jesus [Jn 6: 40] that we can count on: “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.”

 

In praying for the dead, we are carrying out the Spiritual Works of Mercy. At the same time, we are reminded of the joys of eternal life offered to us through our Lord Jesus. If we show mercy to others, we too will receive mercy from God. ‘If we die with Christ, we will rise with Him.’ [2 Tm 2: 11]

 

Let our fervent prayer be:

   “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on us sinners.”

 Let us also pray that God’s justice, peace, truth and love may prevail in Ukraine, Sri Lanka and Nicaragua.