Catholic Caucus: Sunday Mass Readings, 11-02-14, Commemoration of the Faithful Departed

Pope Remembers Victims of War, Persecuted Christians on All Souls Day

Recites Prayer for the Dead During Angelus Address

Vatican City, November 02, 2014 (Zenit.org) Junno Arocho Esteves |

Pope Francis remembered those who have died today during his Sunday Angelus Address. The Holy Father began his address noting the relation between today's celebration of All Souls Day and yesterday's Solemnity of All Saints.

"On the one hand, in fact, the Church, a pilgrim in history, rejoices for the intercession of the Saints and the Blessed that sustains Her in the mission of announcing the Gospel," he said.

"On the other, She, like Jesus, shares in the tears of those who suffer the departing of a loved one, and like Him and thanks to Him, resounds the thanks to the Father who has freed us from the dominion of sin and death."

Recalling those who today will visit the graves of their loved ones, the Pope called on the faithful to remember those "who no one remembers." Among them, he continued, are the victims of war, violence and in particular the "little ones in the world crushed by hunger and poverty."

"We remember the unnamed people who rest in common graves. We remember our brothers and sisters killed for being Christians; and those who sacrificed their lives to serve others. We especially entrust to the Lord those who have left us in the course of this year," he said.

Citing the Second Vatican Council's document, Lumen Gentium, the Pope exhorted those present to offer the Eucharistic celebration for deceased souls. Remembering the dead, he said, "is rooted in the certainty that death is not the final word on the human fate."

The Holy Father then recited a prayer for the dead composed by Passionist Father Antonio Rungi. "May no one fear the encounter with You at the end of their earthly pilgrimage, in the hope of being welcomed within the embrace of your infinite mercy. May sister death find us in prayerful vigilance, and full of all the good we have done during our existence, be it long or short," he prayed.

Concluding his address, Pope Francis invoked the Virgin Mary to help in understanding the value of praying for the deceased. "May She sustain us in our daily pilgrimage on this earth and help us to not lose sight of the final goal of life which is Paradise," said.

Zenit.org -- On All Souls Day

On All Souls Day

"The remembrance of the dead, the care for graves and prayers of repose are a witness of the confident hope, rooted in the certainty that death is not the final word on the human fate"

Vatican City, November 02, 2014 (Zenit.org) | 32 hits

Here is the translation of the Holy Father's words before and after the recitation of the Angelus to the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square today.

* * *

Dear brothers and sisters,

Yesterday we celebrated the Solemnity of All Saints, and today the liturgy invites us to commemorate the faithful departed. These two occurrences are intimately related to each other, just as the joy and tears find a syntheses in Jesus Christ that is the foundation of our faith and of our hope. On the one hand, in fact, the Church, a pilgrim in history, rejoices for the intercession of the Saints and Blesseds that sustains Her in the mission of announcing the Gospel; on the other, She, like Jesus, shares in the tears of those who suffer the departing of a loved one, and like Him and thanks to Him, resounds the thanks to the Father who has freed us from the dominion of sin and death.

Between yesterday and today, many visit the cemetery which, as this same word says, is the "place of rest", awaiting the final awakening. It is beautiful to think that it will be Jesus who will awaken us. Jesus Himself has revealed that the death of the body is like a time of sleep from which He will awaken us. With this faith we stop– even spiritually- at the graves of our loved ones, of those who have loved us and have done good to us. But today we are called to remember everyone, even those who no one remembers. We remember the victims of war and of violence; so many "little ones" in the world crushed by hunger and poverty. We remember the unnamed people who rest in common graves. We remember our brothers and sisters killed for being Christians; and those who sacrificed their lives to serve others. We especially entrust to the Lord those who have left us in the course of this year.

The tradition of the Church has always exhorted to pray for the deceased, in particular by offering for them the Eucharistic Celebration: that is the best spiritual help that we can give for their souls, particularly those abandoned the most. The foundation of the prayers of repose is found in the communion of the Mystical Body. As the Second Vatican Council affirms, " Fully conscious of this communion of the whole Mystical Body of Jesus Christ, the pilgrim Church from the very first ages of the Christian religion has cultivated with great piety the memory of the dead." (Lumen gentium, 50)

The remembrance of the dead, the care for graves and prayers of repose are a witness of the confident hope, rooted in the certainty that death is not the final word on the human fate, since man is destined to a life without limits, which has its roots and its fulfillment in God.

We raise this prayer to God:

God of infinite mercy, we entrust to Your immense goodness all those who have left this world for eternity, where you await all humanity, redeemed by the precious blood of Christ Your Son, who died to save us from our sins.

Look not Lord, at our poverty, misery and human weaknesses when we present ourselves before You to be judged in happiness or condemned.

Gaze upon us with pity, born of Your tender heart and help us to walk the path of purification. May none of your children be lost to the eternal fires of hell, where repentance is no more.

We entrust to You Lord, the souls of our beloved departed, of those who died without the comfort of the Sacraments or who did not have the opportunity to repent, not even at the end of their life.

May no one fear the encounter with You at the end of their earthly pilgrimage, in the hope of being welcomed within the embrace of your infinite mercy. May sister death find us in prayerful vigilance, and full of all the good we have done during our existence, be it long or short.

Lord, may nothing distance us from you on this earth, may everything and everyone support us in our ardent hope to serenely and eternally rest in You.

Amen.

With this faith in the supreme destiny of man, we turn now to Our Lady, who suffered under the cross the tragedy of the death of Christ and took part in the joy of His resurrection. May She, the Gate of Heaven, help us to always understand more the value of the prayers of repose for the dead. They are close to us! May She sustain us in our daily pilgrimage on this earth and help us to not lose sight of the final goal of life which is Paradise. And we with this hope that never disappoints we move forward!

After the Angelus:

Dear brothers and sisters,

I greet the families, parish groups, the associations and all the pilgrims who come from Rome, from Italy and from so many parts of the world. In particular, I greet the faithful from the diocese of Seville (Spain), as well as those from Case Finali in Cesena and the volunteers from Oppeano and Granzette who do clown-therapy in the hospitals. I see you there. Continue doing this that does so much good for the seek. Let us greet this good people.

To all I wish a Good Sunday, in the Christian remembrance of our deceased loved ones. Please, do not forget to pray for me.

Daily Gospel Commentary

The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls)

Commentary of the day
Saint Ambrose (c.340-397), Bishop of Milan and Doctor of the Church
On the death of his brother, § 6

« When Jesus saw Mary weeping and the Jews who had come with her weeping, he became perturbed and deeply troubled » (Jn 11,33)

Why is it that I would pray for you, O my brother, who loved me so much and have been carried off from me… ? For I have not lost my relationship to you, rather it has been completely changed in my regard. Up to now it was inseparable from the body, but now it is indissoluble from feeling. You remain with me and will remain so always… Paul the apostle calls me back and places a sort of brake on my sadness with these words: “We do not want you to be unaware about those who have fallen asleep, so that you may not grieve like the rest who have no hope” (1Thes 4,13)…

But not all weeping is a sign of lack of faith or of weakness. Natural sorrow is one thing, the sadness of unbelief is another… Sorrow is not alone in having its tears and prayer, according to the prophet, bathes our bed with tears (Ps 6,7). When the patriarchs were enslaved, their people wept bitterly over themselves as well. Thus tears are signs of affection and not incitements to sorrow. I confess that I have wept, but the Lord also wept (Jn 11,35). He wept for someone not of his own kin; I for a brother. He wept for all men in one man; as for me, I will weep for you, my brother, in every man.

Christ wept with the feeling that is ours, not his own, for divinity has no tears… He wept in that man who was “sorrowful even to death” (Mt 26,38); he wept in him who was crucified, who died, who was buried; he wept in that man… who was born of the Virgin.

Monsignor Pope is posting on his parish website since the Archdiocesan website is down.

99 and Half Won’t Do! A Homily for All Souls Day

November 1, 2014 By admin

Today is the Feast of All Souls. Today we pray for the souls of all the faithful departed in Purgatory. It makes sense for us to reflect on the Doctrine of Purgatory and its roots.

The Catholic teaching on Purgatory is one of the teachings of the Church that many struggle to understand today. Non-Catholics have generally rejected this teaching, calling it unbiblical. Actually, it is quite biblical and the biblical roots of the teaching will be shown in this reflection. Many Catholics, too, influenced and embarrassed by the protests of non-Catholics, have been led to downplay, question, or even reject this teaching. The task of this reflection is to set forth the Catholic teaching on Purgatory as both biblical and reasonable. It is perhaps best to begin with a description of the teaching on Purgatory and then show its biblical roots. Finally, I will attempt to show why the teaching makes sense based on what God has said to us about holiness and Heaven.

I. Reality of the Teaching - What is Purgatory? The Catechism says the following on purgation and Purgatory:

All who die in God’s grace and friendship but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification so as to attain the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven. The Church gives the name “Purgatory” to this final purification of the elect, which is entirely different from the punishment of the damned (Catechism 1030-1031).

Exactly how this purgation (or purification) is carried out is not revealed explicitly. But Tradition has used the image of fire based on certain Scripture texts:

· Now if any one builds on the foundation [of Jesus Christ] with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each man’s work will become manifest; for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work which any man has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire (1 Cor 3:13-15).

· And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” Then flew one of the seraphim to me, having in his hand a burning coal which he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth, and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin forgiven” (Is 6:5-7).

· But who can endure the day of [the Lord's] coming, and who can stand when he appears? “For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, till they present right offerings to the Lord. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord (Mal 3:2-4).

So the purification is represented by fire. However, as can be seen in the quote already supplied, the Catechism is careful to point out that the purification of Purgatory is entirely different from the experiences of Hell. Thus to summarize, Purgatory is a place and a process of final purification which the elect undergo after death (if necessary) before entering Heaven

II. Roots of the Teaching in Scripture: Some have dismissed the Catholic teaching on Purgatory, calling it unbiblical. It is true that the word “Purgatory” does not appear in the Bible, but neither does the word “Trinity.” Despite the fact that the word “Trinity” does not appear in the Bible, every Christian still accepts the teaching, since the Scriptures contain the truth of the teaching that the word conveys. It is the same with Purgatory. Though the word does not appear in the Bible, the teaching does. We do well then to examine some Bible texts, in addition to the ones above, and thereby learn that Purgatory is in fact a biblical teaching..

A: We begin first with the Promise of Jesus that serves as a premise for purgation. Jesus declared that we must be perfect as the heavenly Father is perfect (Matt 5:48, Rev 3:2).

Other Scriptures also teach that we are called to ultimate perfection

· Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, and make holiness perfect in the fear of God. (2 Cor 7:1)

· And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:4)

B: Based on this promise there is a prerequisite of perfection to enter heaven.

· But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the first-born who are enrolled in heaven, and to a judge who is God of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect (Heb 12:22-23)

· But nothing unclean shall enter heaven, nor any one who practices abomination or falsehood, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.(Rev 21:27).

The Church takes these promises of ultimate perfection, and of Heaven as the place of that perfection, very seriously. The Church understands from the Word of God that if that perfection is not attained by the time of death then, before entering Heaven, we must undergo a final purification that brings to completion the good work that God has begun in us (cf Phil 1:6). The need for purgation thus flows from the promises of God that we shall one day be perfect.

C: Jesus also uses an image for purification as “paying the last penny.” Consider the following passage from the Gospel of Luke:

You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky; but why do you not know how to interpret the present time? “And why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? Settle with your opponent on the way to court, lest he drag you to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer, and the officer put you in prison. I tell you, you will not get out till you have paid the very last penny.” (Luke 12:56-59)

The context of this passage seems clearly to be one of judgment, and in particular, the judgment we will one day face. We may ask, “Who is the judge?” It is Jesus. For Scripture says, The Father judges no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son (John 5:22). We may also ask, “What is the ‘prison’ referred to in this passage?” We may instinctively think of Hell. But that could not be correct in this instance, for the text clearly indicates that one will emerge from the prison after the last penny is paid. Hell is a place from which no one emerges (cf Mk 9:48, Lk 16:26).

Thus the “prison” cannot be Hell, and surely it is not Heaven. There must then be some place, after judgment, where an individual may be detained for a time and then released after “paying the last penny.” Our Catholic Tradition calls this place Purgatory. Though the Lord in this passage clearly urges us to settle our accounts before facing the judge, there does seem to be a chance to settle accounts later if this is deemed necessary..

D: St. Paul in a passage already referenced writes:

Each man’s work will become manifest; for the Day will disclose it, it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work which any man has built on the foundation [of Christ] survives, he will receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.(1 Cor. 3:13-15).

This is surely a complex passage, but again there seems to be a judgment scene described here. Each person’s work will be judged; his or her works will be tested by fire. Some shall receive reward. Others will suffer loss. Ultimately they are saved, but “only as through fire” according to the text.

Thus there seems to be a sort of purification accomplished for some. On Judgment Day, what is imperfect or unbecoming will be burned away. Now this entry unto salvation “through fire” cannot take place in Heaven since there is no pain or loss suffered there. Nor can it be Hell since that is an eternal fire from which there is no escape (cf Matt 25:41). Hence there must be some place of purifying fire through which some pass in the life to come. Our Catholic Tradition calls this Purgatory.

E: In Matthew 12:32 our Lord says

Whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.

This text implies that in the world to come, there is the forgiveness of some sins. But where could this place be? It cannot be Heaven since there is no sin to be forgiven there (cf Rev 21:27). It cannot be Hell since forgiveness is not granted there and there is no escape (Lk 16:26). Hence there must be some third place in the “age to come” where the forgiveness of sin can be experienced. Catholic Tradition and teaching calls this Purgatory. Here, individuals in a state of friendship with God and with faith in Him may receive forgiveness for certain sins committed in life and be purged of the injustices and effects of those sins.

F: There is also a teaching in Scripture from the Book of Maccabees:

It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead that they may be loosed from their sins.(2 Mac 12:43-46)

Although most non-Catholics do not accept Maccabees as a book of the Bible, it does give us historical evidence that praying for the dead was a Jewish practice. Nowhere does Christ condemn such prayers nor does any New Testament text dismiss such practices.

These scriptural texts have been reviewed to show that the Catholic teaching on Purgatory does have a biblical basis. The claim that Catholic teaching on this matter is “unbiblical” is thus unfounded. There is a biblical basis and foundation for the Church to teach that after death a purification is both available and in many cases necessary.

III. The Reasonableness of the Teaching. - Not only is there a Biblical basis for the teaching on Purgatory, there is a an argument for the fittingness of this teaching based on Biblical teaching. In other words, the teaching makes sense based on the promises contained in scripture to those who have been called to be saints.

1. Premise: Scripture teaches that Heaven is a place of perfect happiness where there is no more sorrow or pain, no more death, no more tears (cf Rev 21:23-24). The saints in Heaven are perfectly holy and thus we are exhorted here on earth to strive for peace with all men, and to strive for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord (Heb 12:14). Regarding Heaven, Scripture says, But nothing unclean shall enter it, nor any one who practices abomination or falsehood, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life (Rev 21:27). Christ also teaches us very solemnly, You, therefore, must be perfect, as your Heavenly Father is perfect (Mat 5:48).

2. Problem: Now this raises a question: What happens to those who die in a state of grace and friendship with God but are not yet perfect? Most of us will admit that if we were to die at this very moment, we could not honestly say that we are perfect. Even assuming that we are in a state of grace and friendship with God, we can likely see there are still some rough edges to our personality and that we still struggle with certain habitual sins and shortcomings. Likewise, most of us carry within us certain sorrows, regrets, or misunderstandings from the past. Despite effort, we may have not been able to fully let go of these things. It is clear that we cannot take any of this with us to Heaven. If we did, it would not be a place of perfect joy and total sinlessness.

3. 3. Prescription:Prescription: Obviously we must be purged of any final imperfections, sins, and sorrows before entering Heaven. Every tear must be wiped from our eyes (Rev 21:4), every sorrow left behind, every wound healed. Only then will we be able to experience Heaven. Ideally this takes place here on earth, And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing (James 1:4). Yet many of us know that this process is seldom complete at death. Thus, presuming that we die in a state of grace and friendship with God, Christ will surely complete his work in us (for He is faithful to His promises) by purging us of whatever imperfections, venial sins, or sorrowful effects of sins that still remain. Further, all punishments due to sin are completed.

Thus, the teaching on Purgatory seems quite fitting based on Jesus’ promise that we would one day be perfect as the heavenly Father is perfect, lacking in nothing. If we die before this process is complete, then something must happen after death to transform us into the glory which we have been promised and to which we have been called. Catholic teaching and Tradition assigns the term “Purgatory” to this process of completion and transformation.

Perhaps, in this light, it is good to conclude with a prayer and blessing from St. Paul: In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion at the day of Christ Jesus (Phil 1:4-6).

There’s an old hymn that says, “99 and a half won’t do! … Gotta make a hundred.” But If I die in friendship, yet am still imperfect, God will complete the work He has done in me by purging away any of the dross of imperfection. Thank you, Lord!

Sunday Gospel Reflections All Souls Sunday

Gospel
John 6:37-40

37 All that the Father gives me will come to me; and him who comes to me I will not cast out.
³⁸ For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me;
³⁹ and this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up at the last day.
⁴⁰ For this is the will of my Father, that every one who sees the Son and believes in him should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day."

Interesting Details

(v.37) Jesus acknowledges that all those who come to him are the gift of the Father. This is not about predestination, God does not arbitrarily choose whom he will save or condemn those he will not. God created human beings genuinely free, man can accept or reject him. Those who accept the revelation of the Son of Man can do so freely and acknowledge it as a free gift, the giver never changes his mind.
(v.38) The conformity of his will and the will of the Father is the total obedience and unity as "I and the Father are one" (John 10:30).
(vv.39-40) The gift of eternal life defeats and abolishes the finality of death by its promise of resurrection at the last day. This is not an exemption from death, but a promise of life without the fear, the shadow and the dominion of death.

One Main Point

The resurrection at the last day is what makes the life of the believer, both before and after death, eternal life.

Reflections

Recall the life and the death of a family member or a close friend, as a Christian what are the meaning of life and the meaning of death?
No one can escape death and no one will. Are you afraid of death? Why? What are your fears? Compare yours to those of Jesus when he faced the imminent death in the Passion.
The eternal life is a free gift from God, what actions should you take to claim and to accept this irrevocable gift?

We see that death is gain, life is loss. Paul says: For me life is Christ, and death a gain. What does “Christ” mean but to die in the body, and receive the breath of life? Let us then die with Christ, to live with Christ. We should have a daily familiarity with death, a daily desire for death. By this kind of detachment our soul must learn to free itself from the desires of the body. It must soar above earthly lusts to a place where they cannot come near, to hold it fast. It must take on the likeness of death, to avoid the punishment of death. The law of our fallen nature is at war with the law of our reason and subjects the law of reason to the law of error. What is the remedy? Who will set me free from this body of death? The grace of God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

-- Saint Ambrose of Milan

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The Angelus

The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary:
And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Behold the handmaid of the Lord: Be it done unto me according to Thy word.

Hail Mary . . .

And the Word was made Flesh: And dwelt among us.

Hail Mary . . .

Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray:

Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection, through the same Christ Our Lord.

Amen.

Information: Commemoration of All Faithful Departed

Feast Day: November 2

Interactive Saints for Kids

All Souls Day

Feast Day: November 2

This feast day is one of the most loving celebrations in the Church's liturgy.

It is the day that we especially remember all those who have passed from this life into the next.

Today we stop to remember all who have died especially our relatives and friends.

We pray for those who taught us good things and made sacrifices for us.

We pray for those who prayed for us while they were on this earth.

We pray for the most forgotten souls.

We pray for those who had great responsibilities while they were on earth.

We think of those holy souls in purgatory and we realize that they are saved. Now they wait, being purified, until the moment when they can be with God, face to face.

We can offer the sacrifice of the Mass and pray for these suffering souls in purgatory to hasten their journey to God.

Eternal rest, grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.

John
	English: Douay-Rheims	Latin: Vulgata Clementina	Greek NT: Byzantine/Majority Text (2000)
	John 6
37.	All that the Father giveth to me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me, I will not cast out.	Omne quod dat mihi Pater, ad me veniet : et eum qui venit ad me, non ejiciam foras :	παν ο διδωσιν μοι ο πατηρ προς εμε ηξει και τον ερχομενον προς με ου μη εκβαλω εξω
38.	Because I came down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him that sent me.	quia descendi de cælo, non ut faciam voluntatem meam, sed voluntatem ejus qui misit me.	οτι καταβεβηκα εκ του ουρανου ουχ ινα ποιω το θελημα το εμον αλλα το θελημα του πεμψαντος με
39.	Now this is the will of the Father who sent me: that of all that he hath given me, I should lose nothing; but should raise it up again in the last day.	Hæc est autem voluntas ejus qui misit me, Patris : ut omne quod dedit mihi, non perdam ex eo, sed resuscitem illud in novissimo die.	τουτο δε εστιν το θελημα του πεμψαντος με πατρος ινα παν ο δεδωκεν μοι μη απολεσω εξ αυτου αλλα αναστησω αυτο [εν] τη εσχατη ημερα
40.	And this is the will of my Father that sent me: that every one who seeth the Son, and believeth in him, may have life everlasting, and I will raise him up in the last day.	Hæc est autem voluntas Patris mei, qui misit me : ut omnis qui videt Filium et credit in eum, habeat vitam æternam, et ego resuscitabo eum in novissimo die.	τουτο δε εστιν το θελημα του πεμψαντος με ινα πας ο θεωρων τον υιον και πιστευων εις αυτον εχη ζωην αιωνιον και αναστησω αυτον εγω τη εσχατη ημερα

37. All that the Father gives me shall come to me; and him that comes to me I will in no wise cast out.
38. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
39. And this is the Father's will which has sent me, that of all which he has given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
40. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which sees the Son, and believes in him may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

BEDE. All, He said, absolutely, to show the fullness of the number who should believe. These are they which the Father gives the Son, when, by His secret inspiration, He makes them believe in the Son.

ALCUIN. Whomsoever therefore the Father draws to belief in Me, he, by faith, shall come to Me, that he may be joined to Me. And those, who in the steps of faith and good works, shall come to Me, I will in no wise cast out; i.e. in the secret habitation of a pure conscience, he shall dwell with Me, and at the last I will receive him to everlasting felicity.

AUG. That inner place, whence there is no casting out, is a great sanctuary, a secret chamber, where is neither weariness, or the bitterness of evil thoughts, or the cross of pain and temptation: of which it is said, Enter you into the joy of your Lord.

CHRYS. The expression, that the Father gives Me, shows that it is no accident whether a man believes or not, and that belief is not the work of human cogitation, but requires a revelation from on high, and a mind devout enough to receive the revelation. Not that they are free from blame, whom the Father does not give, for they are deficient even in that which lies in their own power, the will to believe. This is a virtual rebuke to their unbelief, as it shows that whoever does not believe in Him, transgresses the Father's will. Paul, however, says, that He gives them up to the Father: When He shall have given up the kingdom to God, even the Father. But as the Father, in giving, does not take from Himself, so neither does the Son when He gives up. The Son is said to give up to the Father, because we are brought to the Father by Him. And of the Father at the same time we read, By Whom you were called to the fellowship of His Son. Whoever then, our Lord says, comes to Me, shall be saved, for to save such I took up flesh: For I came down from heaven not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me. But what? Have you one will, He another? No, certainly. Mark what He says afterwards; And this is the will of Him that sent Me, that every one which sees the Son, and believes in Him, should have everlasting life. And this is the Son's will too; For the Son quickens whom He will. He says then, I came to do nothing but what the Father wills, for I have no will distinct from My Father's: all things that the Father has are Mine. But this not now: He reserves these higher truths for the end of His ministry.

AUG. This is the reason why He does not cast out those who come to Him. For I came down from, heaven not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me. The soul departed from God, because it was proud. Pride casts us out, humility restores us. When a physician in the treatment of a disease, cures certain outward symptoms, but not the cause which produces them, his cure is only temporary. So long as the cause remains, the disease may return. That the cause then of all diseases, i.e. pride, might be eradicated, the Son of God humbled Himself. Why are you proud, O man? The Son of God humbled Himself for you. It might shame you, perhaps, to imitate a humble man; but imitate at least a humble God. And this is the proof of His humility: I came not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me. Pride does its own will; humility the will of God.

HILARY. Not that He does what He does not wish. He fulfills obediently His Father's will, wishing also Himself to fulfill that will.

AUG. For this very reason therefore, I will not cast out Him that comes to Me; because I came not to do Mine own will. I came to teach humility, by being humble Myself. He that comes to Me, is made a member of Me, and necessarily humble, because He will not do His own will, but the will of God; and therefore is not cast out. He was cast out, as proud; he returns to Me humble, he is not sent away, except for pride again; he who keeps his humility, fails not from the truth. And further, that He does not cast out such, because He came not to do His will, He shows when He says, And this is the Father's will which has sent Me, that of all which He has given Me, I should lose nothing. Every one of an humble mind is given to Him: It is not the will of your Fatter, that one of these little ones should perish. The swelling ones may perish; of the little ones none can; for except you be as a little child, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

AUG. They therefore who by God s unerring providence are foreknown, and predestined, called, justified, glorified, even before their new birth, or before they are born at all, are already the sons of God, and cannot possibly perish; these are they who truly come to Christ. By Him there is given also perseverance in good to the end; which is given only to those who will not perish. Those who do not persevere will perish.

CHRYS. I should lose nothing; He lets them know, he does not desire his own honor, but their salvation. After these declarations, I will in no wise cast out, and I should lose nothing, He adds, But should raise it up at the last day. In the general resurrection the wicked will be cast out, according to Matthew, Take him, and cast him into outer darkness. And, Who is able to cast both soul and body into hell. He often brings in mention of the resurrection for this purpose: viz. to warn men not to judge of God's providence from present events, but to carry on their ideas to another world.

AUG. See how the twofold resurrection is expressed here. He who comes to Me, shall forthwith rise again; by becoming humble, and a member of Me. But then He proceeds; But I will raise him up at the last day. To explain the words, All that the Father has given Me, and, I should lose nothing, He adds; And this is the will of Him that has' sent Me, that every one which sees the Son, and believes in Him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up on the last day. Above He said, Whoso hears My word, and believes in Him that sent Me: now it is, Every one which sees the Son, and believes in Him. He does not say, believe in the Father, because it is the same thing to believe in the Father, and in the Son; for us the Father has life in Himself, even so has He given to the Son to have life in Himself, and again, That whoso sees the Son and believes on Him, should hare everlasting life; i.e. by believing, by passing over to life, as at the first resurrection. But this is only the first resurrection, He alludes to the second when He says, And I will raise him up at the last day.

Catena Aurea John 6

Resurrection of the Flesh

Luca Signorelli

1499-1502
Fresco, width 700 cm
Chapel of San Brizio, Duomo, Orvieto

CATHOLIC ALMANAC

Sunday, November 2

Liturgical Color: White

Today is the Commemoration of All Souls, a
day we remember and pray for all the souls in
Purgatory. The Church teaches that the living
can help those in Purgatory by offering
prayers and performing acts of penance
on their behalf.

Catholic Culture

Daily Readings for:November 02, 2014
(Readings on USCCB website)

Collect: Listen kindly to our prayers, O Lord, and, as our faith in your Son, raised from the dead, is deepened, so may our hope of resurrection for your departed servants also find new strength. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

RECIPES

o All Saints' Cakes

o Almond Gruel

o Bread of the Dead

o Bread of the Dead — Pan de Muertos

o Dry Bones Cookies

o Eggs in Purgatory

o English Soul Cakes

o Fave dei Morte — Beans of the Dead I

o Fave dei Morti II

o Fave del Morti

o Golden Flake Buttermilk Doughnuts I

o Spicy "Doughnut" Muffins

o St. Clement's Mousse

o St. Gall Cheese Balls

o St. Mary's Mocha Surprise

o Toffee Apples

ACTIVITIES

o All Souls Day Family Devotion Ideas

o All Souls' Day ideas for the family

o All Souls' Day: Soulmas

o All Souls, November 2

o Bobbing for Apples

o November and the Holy Souls

o Praying for the Dead and Gaining Indulgences During November

o Snap Apples

PRAYERS

o Prayer for the Dead

o Book of Blessings: Visiting a Cemetery on All Souls Day, Memorial Day, or on the Anniversary of Death or Burial

o November Devotion: The Holy Souls in Purgatory

o Little Litany of the Holy Souls

o Prayer for a Happy Death

o Out of the Depths - De Profundis

o Daily Acceptance of Death

o Dies Irae, Dies Illa

o Prayer for Visiting a Country Cemetery on All Souls Day, November 2

LIBRARY

o A Note on Purgatory | Douglas P. McManaman

o An Unpublished Manuscript on Purgatory | Unknown

o Devotion to the Poor and Rich Souls in Purgatory | Basil Cole O.P.

o Holy Souls in Purgatory | Fr. Robert Voigt

o How To Argue the Existence of Purgatory | Jason Evert

o Purgatory Is Necessary Purification | Pope John Paul II

o Purgatory: Service Shop for Heaven | Fr. Anthony Zimmerman STD

o Purgatory? Where Is That In The Bible? | Mark P. Shea

o The Doctrine Of Purgatory | Fr. John A. Hardon S.J.

o The Historical Doctrine of Purgatory | Unknown

· Ordinary Time: November 2nd

· The Commemoration of all the Faithful Departed (All Souls)

Old Calendar: Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost ; Other Titles: All Souls Day

"On this day is observed the commemoration of the faithful departed, in which our common and pious Mother the Church, immediately after having endeavored to celebrate by worthy praise all her children who already rejoice in heaven, strives to aid by her powerful intercession with Christ, her Lord and Spouse, all those who still groan in purgatory, so that they may join as soon as possible the inhabitants of the heavenly city." —Roman Martyrology

Every priest is permitted to say three Masses on this day and it would be a good practice for the laity to attend three Masses and offer them for the Poor Souls.

All Souls Indulgences
An indulgence, applicable only to the souls in purgatory, is granted to the faithful, who devoutly visit a cemetery and pray, even if only mentally, for the departed. The indulgence is plenary each day from the first to the eighth of November; on other days of the year it is partial.

A plenary indulgence, applicable only to the souls in purgatory, is granted to the faithful, who on the day dedicated to the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed [November 2 {as well as on the Sunday preceding or following, and on All Saints' Day}] piously visit a church. In visiting the church it is required that one Our Father and the Creed be recited.

To acquire a plenary indulgence it is necessary also to fulfill the following three conditions: sacramental Confession, Eucharistic communion, and prayer for the intention of the Holy Father. The three conditions may be fulfilled several days before or after the performance of the visit; it is, however, fitting that communion be received and the prayer for the intention of the Holy Father be said on the same day as the visit.

The condition of praying for the intention of the Holy Father is fully satisfied by reciting one Our Father and one Hail Mary. A plenary indulgence can be acquired only once in the course of the day.

All Souls Day
The Church, after rejoicing yesterday with those of her children who have entered the glory of heaven, today prays for all those who, in the purifying suffering of purgatory await the day when they will be joined to the company of saints. At no place in the liturgy is stated in more striking fashion the mysterious union between the Church triumphant, the Church militant and the Church suffering; at no time is there accomplished in clearer fashion the twofold duty of charity and justice deriving for every Christian from the fact of his incorporation in the mystical Body of Christ. By virtue of the consoling doctrine of the communion of saints the merits and prayers of each one are able to help all; and the Church is able to join her prayer with that of the saints in heaven and supply what is wanting to the souls in purgatory by means of the Mass, indulgences and the alms and sacrifices of her children.

The celebration of Mass, the sacrifice of Calvary continued on our altars, has ever been for the Church the principal means of fulfilling towards the dead the great commandment of charity. Masses for the dead are found in the fifth century. But it was St. Odilo, fourth abbot of Cluny, who was responsible for the institution of the general commemoration of all the faithful departed; he instituted it and fixed its celebration on November 2, the day after All Saints. The practice spread to the rest of Christendom.

Daily in a special Memento in the Canon of the Mass, at which the priest remembers all those who have fallen asleep in the Lord, the priest implores God to grant them a place of happiness, light and peace. Thus there is no Mass in which the Church does not pray for the faithful departed; but today her thoughts are directed towards them in a particular fashion, with the maternal preoccupation of leaving no soul in purgatory without spiritual aid and of grouping them all together in her intercession. By a privilege that Benedict XV's decree has extended to the whole world every priest can today celebrate three Masses; for the liberation of the souls in purgatory the Church multiplies the offering of the sacrifice of Christ, from which she draws forever on behalf of all her children, infinite fruits of redemption.

Things to Do:

Do pious practices to help the Poor Souls: attend three Masses for the Poor Souls on this day; remember your family and friends who are deceased and make an extra sacrifice for them; pray the rosary for the most forgotten soul in purgatory.
The faithful who visit a cemetery to pray for the faithful departed, saying the Lord's Prayer and the Creed (even if only mentally), may gain a plenary indulgence once only under the usual conditions: sacramental confession (eight days before or after the act), Eucharistic Communion on that day, and prayer for the Pope's intentions (usually one Our Father and Hail Mary as minimum). Each day between November 1 and November 8, this gains a plenary indulgence that can only be applied to the poor souls in purgatory. Any other time of year this gains a partial indulgence. See Praying for the Dead and Gaining Indulgences During November for more information about indulgences for the Poor Souls.
There is also solemn commemoration to be used on All Souls. See Visiting a Cemetery on All Souls Day, Memorial Day, or on the Anniversary of Death or Burial.
Make a nice poster listing all the family and friends departed. Put this on display where the members of the family can be reminded to pray for the loved ones throughout November. Remind family members to offer extra prayers and sacrifices for the poor souls in purgatory. Of course this shouldn't be the only motivation, but do include the fact that after these souls reach heaven, they will intercede on your behalf.
Read the Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy and the section entitled "The Memorial of the Dead in Popular Piety." Of particular note:

The Christian, who must be conscious of and familiar with the idea of death, cannot interiorly accept the phenomenon of the "intolerance of the dead," which deprives the dead of all acceptance in the city of the living. Neither can he refuse to acknowledge the signs of death, especially when intolerance and rejection encourage a flight from reality, or a materialist cosmology, devoid of hope and alien to belief in the death and resurrection of Christ.

Some suggested devotions from the Directory (in accordance with time, place and tradition, popular devotions to the dead take on a multitude of forms):

the novena for the dead in preparation for 2 November, and the octave prolonging it, should be celebrated in accordance with liturgical norms;
visits to the cemetery; in some places this is done in a community manner on 2 November, at the end of the parochial mission, when the parish priest takes possession of the parish; visiting the cemetery can also be done privately, when the faithful go to the graves of their own families to maintain them or decorate them with flowers and lamps. Such visits should be seen as deriving from the bonds existing between the living and the dead and not from any form of obligation, non-fulfilment of which involves a superstitious fear;
membership in a confraternity or other pious association whose objects include "burial of the dead" in the light of the Christian vision of death, praying for the dead, and providing support for the relatives of the dead;
suffrage for the dead through alms deeds, works of mercy, fasting, applying indulgences, and especially prayers, such as the De profundis, and the formula Requiem aeternam [Eternal Rest], which often accompanies the recitation of the Angelus, the rosary, and at prayers before and after meals.
Have family discussions about death, preparing for death, funerals, and the Sacrament of the Sick. Visit the cemetery with children. Visits to the cemetery should be uplifting, calm and peaceful, not a scary event.

From the Catholic Culture library:

For many more documents search the library for "purgatory."

In many places this day centers around the family departed and the cemetery. Families go to gravesites, clean them, decorate them, add candles. This can be an all day affair, with picnics and celebration. Of particular note is the Dia de los Muertos or the Day of the Dead, celebration in Mexico on November 2. One could say this is the "Mexican Halloween." For more information on this Catholic holiday, see Mexico Connect for a variety of links for information. Please note that as with many holidays, there is much commercialism and secularism. Read Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy to understand the harmony that piety and devotions must have with the Liturgy.

Deeply rooted cultural elements connoting particular anthropological concepts are to be found among the customs and usages connected with the "cult of the dead" among some peoples. These often spring from a desire to prolong family and social links with the departed. Great caution must be used in examining and evaluating these customs. Care should be taken to ensure that they are not contrary to the Gospel. Likewise, care should be taken to ensure that they cannot be interpreted as pagan residues.

To make sugar skulls for the Day of the Dead, see Mexican Sugar Skull and Hearthsong.
See the drop down recipe section at the top for the many recipes connected to this day. Of particular note is the English "Soul Cakes," the Italian "Eggs in Purgatory" and Fave dei Morti (Beans of the Dead), "Bread of the Dead" from Mexico, and "Dry Bones Cookies" from Switzerland.

The Word Among Us

Meditation: Wisdom 3:1-9

The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed
(All Souls’ Day)

In the time of their visitation they shall shine. (Wisdom 3:7)

Have you ever wondered why we bother to pray for those who have already died? After all, they’ve already passed from this life. The simple answer is because Scripture tells us to! Judas Maccabeus, an Old Testament hero, once sent money to Jerusalem to pay for a sin offering for some soldiers he had buried that day. The bodies of these soldiers were found with pagan tokens under them, indicating they had engaged in idol worship. Judas believed that his offering might help atone for their sin and bring them into heaven

(2 Maccabees 12:38-46).

The Catechism teaches us that “all who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1030).

Today, why not dedicate your prayer time to interceding for those who have gone before you—both your loved ones and those you found it hard to love? We have no way of knowing who goes straight to heaven, who goes to purgatory, or how long each person stays there. But we do know that the souls of the righteous are at peace, even if they aren’t yet perfected in holiness

(Wisdom 3:3).

Prayer is never useless! Even if you pray for someone who is already in the full light of the kingdom, God will take your intercession and pour out a different blessing, maybe on the Church, on someone who doesn’t yet believe, or even on you! All he’s concerned about is that we continue to pray and work for the building up of his body, both here on earth and in heaven.

“Thank you, Jesus, for having reconciled us to your Father. Lord, may all who have gone before us be fully purified and enter the full light of your kingdom.”

Psalm 23:1-6; Romans 5:5-11; John 6:37-40

Questions for Reflection or Group Discussion

(Wisdom 3:1-9; Psalm 23:1-6; Romans 5:5-11; John 6:37-40)

1. All the readings for All Souls Day speak of death and resurrection, the end of time, and eternal life. This includes the words from the first reading, for example, “The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace” (Wisdom 3:1-3). What do these words mean to you? In what ways do they provide hope for you and your loved ones?

2. The Responsorial Psalm is from the 23rd Psalm. Why do you think this psalm is often read at funerals?

3. What do these words from the second reading mean to you? “Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us” (Romans 5:5). How would you describe this hope? What impact does this hope and this “love of God” poured into your heart have on your life? What can you do to allow this truth to manifest itself even more in your life?

4. The Gospel reading begins with these words: “Everyone that the Father gives me will come to me, and I will not reject anyone who comes to me” (John 6:37). The reading ends with these words: “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” (6:40). These words, which should fill us with great joy, reiterate the basis of our Christian confidence and faith in the saving work of our Lord. In your everyday life, how do you try to give expression to your faith (and yes your joy) as one of the redeemed of God? How do you share this faith and pass it on to others—especially members of your family?

5. In the meditation, we hear these words: “Today, why not dedicate your prayer time to interceding for those who have gone before you—both your loved ones and those you found it hard to love?” It is probably easy to pray for our beloved dead with great hope, confident that they are resting securely in the hand of God. However, are there some men or women who have passed away that you have found “hard to love”? Are you willing to pray for the repose of their souls as well? If not, why not?

6. Take some time to recall to mind loved ones, and others, who have passed away and pray now for the repose of their souls. Use the prayer at the end of the meditation as the starting point.

A Christian Pilgrim

TWO OUTPOURINGS OF GRACE AT ONCE

(A biblical reflection on the COMMEMORATION OF ALL SOULS – Sunday, 2 November 2014

Gospel Reading: John 6:37-40

First Reading: 2Maccabees 12:43-46; Psalms: Psalm 130:1-8; Second Reading: 1Corinthians 15:12-34

The Scripture Text
All that the Father gives Me will come to Me; and him who comes to Me I will not cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me; and this is the will of Him who sent Me, that I should lose nothing of all that He has given Me, but raise it up at the last day. For this is the will of My Father, that every one who sees the Son and believes in Him should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For this is the will of My Father, that every one who sees the Son and believes in Him should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:37-40 RSV)

This is one of those special days where we get two outpourings of grace at once. Traditionally, All Souls Day is set aside to pray for those in Purgatory. Drawing from Scripture and Sacred Tradition, the Church has taught that everyone who dies in God’s grace but is not yet perfectly purified undergoes a final purification. These are the ones who “will be saved, but only as through fire” (1Corinthians 3:15; see also the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1030-1032). Similarly, various figures in the Old Testament “made atonement for the dead that they might be delivered from their sin” (2Maccabees 12:42). So this is the first outpouring. Today is a day to recall and intercede for those who are on the threshold of heaven.

What’s the second outpouring? Today is also a day to celebrate the firmness of our salvation. In baptism our old life was buried with Christ, and we have risen with Him into a whole new life. God does not want Jesus to lose anyone (John 6:39). Does this mean that now that we’re baptized we can sin all we want? Of course not! God hasn’t withdrawn His commandments. Common sense should tell us, as the Scriptures do (Mark 1:4,15; 16:16), that baptism must be accompanied by belief and repentance.

Today, God wants His love to so pierce our hearts that we would never want to offend Him or hurt anyone else. As we come to understand that we were lost in sin and that Jesus offered Himself up for us, we will want to imitate Him. Jesus’ love for us will move us to purify ourselves of every vestige of sin, every attitude that resists His words and His ways. Our outlook on ourselves and on the world will change, and we will become more and more like Jesus.

Why would we even want to wait for Purgatory? God is calling us to maturity – here and now – to receive all the gifts He wants to give us. He wants to empower us to build His Kingdom and spread His Gospel. By His grace we can change the world. Let’s do it!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the bread of life that came down from heaven to bring us life. Nourish and strengthen us so that we might love as You love and in the end be welcomed into the beauty and wonder of Your Kingdom. Amen.

A Christian Pilgrim

Marriage=One Man and One Woman 'Til Death Do Us Part

Daily Marriage Tip for November 2, 2014:

“May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.” Take time today, on All Souls’ Day, to pray for your family’s beloved dead. Reminisce about their impact in your lives.

Sunday Scripture Study

Scripture Study The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls) - Cycle A

Opening prayer Note: there are several optional readings for this day. You may hear different readings proclaimed at your parish.

Wisdom 3:1-9 (Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6) Romans 6:3-9 John 6:37-40

Overview of the Gospel: Today’s Gospel is part of the Bread of Life discourse delivered in the synagogue at Capernaum right before the Passover, and a year before the Lord’s death and resurrection. This early part of Jesus’ discourse is an invitation to faith in him based on God’s mercy and the reliability of his promises to all who come to him. He stresses the importance of accepting him as the one sent by the Father for the salvation of the world. He tells his listeners that those drawn by the Father through grace will not be rejected (verse 37). This is an allusion to the mystery of predestination (Romans 8:29-38). This is not the same thing as “once saved, always saved” as Scripture elsewhere makes it clear that we can lose our salvation through our own free will (see CCC 1037).If anyone is lost, it is not a lack in the mercy or power of God. Those who persevere in faith and obedience cannot be lost. As the Gospel reading for All Soul’s Day, the Church invites us to contemplate on how much God wants us share eternal life with him (see second reading, Romans 6:3-9) and that death is not a reason for despair, but for hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14).

Questions: The first reading from Wisdom was written near the end of the Old Testament period. Compared with the predominant opinion of the afterlife held by most OT Jews (see Psalm 6:5), can you see a gradual revelation of God’s plan for the resurrection of the just?  What are the principal effects of Baptism?

What is Paul alluding to in the second reading when he describes this mystery?  In today’s Gospel, what claims did Jesus make (verses 37-40)? What do these claims emphasize about the Father? About his will (verse 39)? What did Jesus come to do?

How is the statement, “everyone who sees the Son and believes in him should have eternal life” (verse 40), reminiscent of an earlier dialogue in John (John 3:14) and an Old Testament story (Numbers 21:9)? Who will raise believers on the Last Day (verse 40; Romans 8:11; 1 Corinthians 6:14)?

God desires that all men be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). Knowing this, what does it tell you about God’s mercy? What sort of hope does it give you for your loved ones who have left this world?

Can you see how Purgatory is a sign of God’s mercy?

Jesus promises eternal life to those who believe in him (John 3:16) and persevere in obeying him (John 3:36; Romans 2:6-8): Do you have faith and trust that God can and will fulfill his promises to his faithful children?

Catechism of the Catholic Church: §§ 161, 475, 606, 989, 994, 1030-32

Closing prayer

Those who have a sure hope that they will rise again lay hold of what lies in the future as though it were already present. –St. Cyril of Alexandria