St. Odilo of Cluny, established “All Souls’ Day” as a day to pray for the souls of the departed. The Church is understood in three states. First, there are those who have died and are now enjoying eternal communion with God (the Church triumphant). Second, there are those living on earth, journeying toward ultimate union with God (the Church militant). Third, there are those whom we remember today: those who have died but are not yet fully prepared to meet God (the Church suffering). None of us is perfect, but we are being perfected and purified as we prepare for eternity. How God chooses to purify us is entirely in his hands, and what that process entails is beyond our understanding. What matters is our “Yes” to his will. In today’s Gospel reading, we hear that it is the will of God that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life. Therefore, let us look to him and believe in him, so that we too may be raised up on the last day.

PRAYER: May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.