All Souls’ Day, Tuesday – 02nd November 2021 — Gospel: Jn 6,37-40
To Live in Hope
The commemoration of the faithful departed reminds us that we are still one with those who have gone before us into eternal life. This gives us an opportunity to look at the mystery of death and the new life that Christ has won and promised for all of us who believe. The question of where we go when we die is a question that has puzzled and continues to puzzle the minds of many. Death makes us realize that this life has to end and all of us no matter how strong we are, no matter how rich or poor have to die someday. The passing over from life to death frightens us. The fear of death is the fear of an ultimate rejection – that we as persons will be rejected by life itself. But Christ has conquered death. Because He welcomes us into new life, death no longer has the power of ultimate rejection. Christ promises, “I will not reject anyone who comes to me.”
The readings of today do not focus on death at all rather they focus on life and life in abundance. In writing to the Thessalonians Paul makes it clear that we cannot behave as a people who have no hope. Our hope is that all who have died in Christ are sure to rise with Him. In Jesus, death is seen only as transition from earthly life to eternal life. In that transition known as death, God’s love purifies us so that we can enjoy the fullness of the eternal life which Jesus has gained for us through His death and resurrection. Jesus promises to raise up all those who believe in Him. It shall be on that last day, the great day of redemption. “We firmly believe, and hence we hope that, just as Christ is truly risen from the dead and lives forever, so after death the righteous will live forever with the risen Christ and he will raise them up on the last day” (CCC 989).
