November 2, 2014 – The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls)
Wis 3: 1-9; Ps 23: 1-6; Rom 5: 5-11; Jn 6: 37-40
All Souls Day on Nov. 2 is a day when we pray for deceased souls. These prayers may be general in nature or they may involve specific members of our families and our faith communities, including perhaps physically visiting the graves of our family members.
On All Saints Day, we acknowledge the presence of those who have departed this life. Today, we recognize and honor them to an even greater extent. To practice stewardship completely we need to be aware of our personal families and our faith families. Just prior to today’s Gospel reading Jesus reminds us that “I am the bread of life.” Seven times in Holy Scripture, Jesus states, “I am…” followed by various statements which allow us to grasp more fully what He is and what He has done for us.
Bread is considered one of those essentials “for life.” Jesus is reminding us that He is essential for life, for eternal life. Jesus is not speaking of the physical life on this earth, but about “eternal life.” It is that hope which allows us to trust in Him by living stewardship. This past June at Mass, Pope Francis said, “He Himself is the living bread that gives life to the world.” Let us embrace that hope.
