On All Souls Day, we honor those who have gone before us, trusting the next chapter to the Author of life
by Sister Carolyn Zahringer
Nov. 2 is “The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed,” more commonly known as "All Souls Day."
One meaning of the word commemorate is “to remember with honor and show respect.” The first reading from Wisdom states: “… he took them to himself. …they shall shine and shall dart as sparks …” (Wisdom 3:6-7) We come from God and we return to God. Life is a cyclic journey ever taking us deeper into the mystery of God.
“The fact that our heart yearns for something earth can’t supply is proof that Heaven must be our home.” (C.S. Lewis) We live by faith and not by sight as the song invites us. A saying from a banner I read recently that states: “I trust the next chapter because I know the author.” (Anonymous)
St. John’s Gospel for this occasion reads: “And this is the will of the one who sent me, that I should not lose anything of what God gave me.” (Jn.6:39)
Many parishes host a special prayer to remember as a family of faith all those persons who have moved into the fullness of God’s reign in the past year. Families remember their own members who have gone home to God over time, not just the past year. As a religious community, we recall by name every member who is now among the communion of saints from the very beginning of our community being officially established in 1868. Our first members departed in 1893. We remember.
A Dr. Seuss quote is fitting to ponder here: “Sometimes you never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.”
Who are those people who have helped us become who we are today, who are no longer present among us in person?
What are some of the moments you recall as treasures left by family and or friends who have gone home to God?
For those who are journeying through grief and mourning, let us remember to be a support. Support sometimes is just to be a listener. Another Dr. Seuss wisdom piece: “To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world” at a time like this.
I recall all souls day when I was back at St.Nicks ( Probably recall back to the 4th Grade)
At that young age, most did not have full understanding what the meaning is of this day.
Thank you Sister for putting into context for all to understand and remember all Souls day, and all that have been called by God at all ages.