In some parts of the world, this is a bigger feast day than that in honor of all the saints. We have always prayed for the dead. This feast began as a liturgical day about a thousand years ago. All Souls Day reminds us that we are connected to each other through the Sacrament of Baptism. We have real effects on each other. We pray to saints while we pray for the departed. This is a day not only for quiet remembering but also for affirming life in the face of death. We celebrate the Resurrection of Christ as the guarantee of eternal life. This is also a day to pray for those who have passed away. If they have been a blessing to us, we thank the Lord for the gift. If they have been a burden to us, we forgive them through our prayers. Even though All Souls Day seems to be surrounded by the atmosphere of death, it really is about life: your life, my life, the life of people we remember, the spiritual life that ties us together and eternal life in the Lord. We are a spiritual community that knows no death because we draw our life from the Risen Lord. The feasts of All Saints and Souls enable us to strengthen the bonds of this spiritual community.


Questions for reflection

1. What happens when we die?
2. Where do we go?
3. When my family members and friends die, is there a way that I can be connected to them?
4. Is there a way that I can help them?
5. Are they happy? Are they at rest?

Prayer
God, our creator and redeemer, by your power, Christ conquered death and returned to you in glory. May all your people who have gone before us in faith share his victory and enjoy the vision of your glory forever. Amen.

by Hồng Ân Chúa