It 02nd November 2016. We commemorate All the Faithful Departed. The readings are from Wisdom 3:1-9; Rom.5:5-11 and Mt. 5:1-12a. The first reading offers hope to all who have faith in God and died. “The souls of the just are in the hand of God.” (Wis.3:1) With gratitude to the lives of the faithful, he mother Church remembers them and presents them back to God at the Altar of Mercy. Death is not the end for a believer. It is indeed an onward journey towards God. Death provides the possibility of meeting God face to face. We remember all those who touched us, groomed us and passed through the passage of faith in Jesus. God’s mercy is indeed so abundant and deep for all those who put their trust in God. The Catechism teaches us in No.1032 “This teaching is also based on the practice of prayer for the dead, already mentioned in Sacred Scripture: “Therefore Judas Maccabeus] made atonement for the dead that they might be delivered from their sin. “From the beginning the Church has honoured the memory of the dead and offered prayers in suffrage for them, above all the Eucharistic sacrifice, so that, thus purified, they may attain the beatific vision of God. The Church also commends almsgiving, indulgences, and works of penance undertaken on behalf of the dead. We rightly pray in the Preface for Christian Death that “Lord, for your faithful people life is changed, not ended. When the body of our earthly dwelling lies in death we gain an everlasting dwelling place in heaven. Every human soul is looking forward to have the eternal rest which God alone can offer. This rest is given to the souls beyond the graves. It is indeed the most awaited time of freedom from the slavery of sins, and bodily suffering. St. Ambrose taught us, “we have loved them in life and let us not forget them in death.” Let us make an effort to remember our faithful departed at the Altar of Sacrifice, which represents the Sacrifice of Christ on Calvary. It is the expression of charity toward the dead. St Paul teaches us, “Just as Jesus died and has risen again, so through Jesus God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Thes.4:14). Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May we pray for those whom we have promised love. May you have a good day.