All Souls Accepted

Readings for Monday November 2, 2009

The Commemoration of All the Fatihful Departed (All Souls)

First Reading: Wisdom 3:1-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 23
Second Reading: Romans 5:5-11 or 6:3-9
Gospel: John 6:37-40


Jesus said to the crowds: “Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and I will not reject anyone who comes to me, because I came down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of the one who sent me. And this is the will of the one who sent me, that I should not lose anything of what he gave me, but that I should raise it on the last day. 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.” (Jn 6:37-40)

Imagine that you show up to a very elegant and fancy party. There is a line, and the person at the door is checking names. Everyone is trying to get in, and everyone in line seems to be on the list. As you get closer to the front of the line, you begin getting kind of nervous, you didn't send in any RSVP for this party, and you certainly don't remember an invitation. You finally come face to face with the door man, and he asks you your name, you hesitate nervously for a second, then finally give him your last name. He gives you a little reassuring smile, then proceeds to check the list. "Ah yes, there you are, you may go right in" he says. A complete feeling of relief shoots across your entire body, and yet there is another great feelings that comes along right after ... acceptance!

Jesus tells us today that He will not reject anyone you comes to Him; basically everyone who comes to Him will be accepted, no matter what! That should make us all jump for great joy as our Lord takes everyone and does not blacklist anyone. Christ came to give us eternal life and a great hope that does not and will not disappoint us. If we are willing to come to Him, surrendering our life, willing to believe in and serve Him, then we are given the promise of eternal life in heaven. A true gift from a glorious and loving Father.

Today we remember all the faithful departed, all those souls who came to Christ and were accepted. I pray that we all may make the choice in life to choose Christ over the world, and one day join our departed brothers and sisters in heaven in the presence of our almighty God.

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, you are so good and merciful to us, we just give you complete thanks and praise for all that we have and all that we are. Lord, help give us the strength and courage to follow you in this life and to always put your will above our own. Lord, we pray for all those souls in purgatory, and for the conversion of all the souls on earth. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.