Feast of All the Faithful Departed, November 2, 2022

Father Rick’s Gospel Reflection for the Feast of All the Faithful Departed, November 2, 2022
John 6:37-40 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110222.cfm

Please take a moment to read and pray over the Gospel.
We pray for the souls in purgatory.

It is a long-standing tradition to pray for a happy death. That might sound strange to someone who has no faith. What can be happy about death? Death is a doorway to heaven for a Catholic who receives the Last Blessing of the Church. When called to a dying bedside, I bring holy oils and Holy Communion.

As I walk into the home, the peace of Jesus greets me in the family members and the dying soul. Our Lord’s Presence is so imminent. Sorrow for all sin welcomes the Lord’s embrace in heaven when this person receives the Last Anointing.

However, should any stain of sin remain on a person’s soul when they die because of a lack of repentance, God gives us the grace to become worthy of Him in heaven. All who die in God’s grace and friendship, but are still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation. Still, after death, they undergo purification so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven. (Catechism, 1030)

Gospel Challenge:
My brothers and sisters, we offer the Holy Mass for our deceased brothers and sisters. We offer prayers and sacrifices for their freedom to be with God in the joy of heaven. Let us pause now and offer to the Lord, family, friends, and parishioners we know so they may be with Jesus for all eternity. And finally, we remember anyone in purgatory who has no one to pray for them.

IGNITE THE FIRE.

God bless you, my friends.

Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.
www.bscchurch.com

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