Breaking the Word

All Souls’ Day, Tuesday – 02^nd 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).

All Saints Day, Monday – 01^st November 2021 — Gospel: Mt 5,1-12

Every Saints Framework

In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III (731-741) consecrated a new chapel in St.Peter’s Basilica to all saints on November 1. He fixed the anniversary of this dedication as the date of the feast. In the ninth century, Pope Gregory IV (827-844) extended the celebration of All Saints for the entire Church. Since then, the Church celebrates the feasts of All Saints on this date.

On the Solemnity of All saints, it is truly a wonder to think of the variety and diversity of the saints in the Church. The saints were poor in spirit and thirsty for righteousness. They were meek and merciful, poor and peaceful. They were persecuted, insulted, and mocked. And what did they receive in exchange? Happiness in heaven. All the saints have one thing in common, i.e., their reward of Heaven, eternal life with Jesus. And that is where all our sufferings and crosses in Christ lead to.

Jesus declares them as ‘ Blessed,’ who in the eyes of the world might seem as cursed. This list is not conditions for discipleship or requirements for a new start, but rather they describe those who already belong to the Christian community. They are identified as Saints. Thus the nine declarations are not statements about general human virtues, rather they pronounce blessings on authentic disciples in the Christian community. These beatitudes do not describe nine different kinds of people, but envisage eschatological declarations to be lived here and now. Thus, they are a frame-work for attaining sanctity or eternal life. All the Saints we remember today are people who lived on earth the beatitudes as Jesus lived. While we remember to celebrate the numerous courageous men and women who lived their lives of selfless love, we also recall our capability of living such lives, imitating those who have gone before us. It means to say, “they could, we also can.” Therefore, the solemn celebration is of possibilities, potential and promise for those living here and now.