Yesterday was the celebration of All Saints, when we give praise and thanks to God for the lives of the Saints…all those who are in heaven with God (both the celebrated saints as well as those “everyday” saints) who have inspired us by their lives. Today is All Souls Day, a day of prayer for everyone who has died, especially those who are still on the way to heaven. The first reading, from Wisdom, tells us that “the souls of the just are in the hands of God”, who we know is a loving God who wants the very best for us.  Psalm 23 reiterates this message, assuring us that God will provide protection and comfort for His followers. In the second reading, St. Paul reminds us of the great lengths God has gone to show His love for us, and Jesus tells us in the Gospel that those who follow Him will be raised on the last day to eternal life.

Thus, all the faithful who had died are promised eternal life in heaven.  However, the Church teaches that for many of us there will be a transition period…purgatory.  It is not a place of punishment, for all sins have already been forgiven. Rather, God so loves us and wants us to be with Him that He has provided a way for those to have died but are not yet perfected to be made so prior to entering heaven.  All Souls Day, then, is a special day set aside for us to remember and pray for all those who have gone before us (something we should be doing every day); our prayers are heard by God and can help our loved ones in their time of purification. Let us both be thankful to God for providing all of us a means to be with Him in spite of our imperfections and pray with joyful hope for the rapid transition of all who have died.