Commemoration of All Souls

All Souls’ Day reminds us of our unity with all who have died.  They are our “brothers and sisters” and we express our care and our unity with them by praying for the eternal repose of their souls.

In the readings for the first Mass the prophet Isaiah (Is 25:6-9) speaks of the rich banquet prepared by “the Lord of hosts” who will “destroy Death forever” and “wipe away the tears from every cheek” while the second reading (Romans 5:5-11) reminds us that “the love of God has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit which has been given to us”.In the Gospel for Year A (Matthew 11:25-30) Jesus encourages us to follow Him saying “my yoke is easy and my burden light”.The Gospel for Year B (Mark 15:33-39; 16:1-6) described the death of Jesus and the young man at the tomb who tells the women “he has risen; he is not here.”In Year C the Gospel of Luke (Luke 7:11-17) shows us the compassion and power of Jesus as he raises the son of the widow of Nain to life.