Today the Church celebrates the Commemoration of all the Faithful Departed, or All Souls' Day. We have to admit that not all of those who have passed away are in a state of grace, reflects Fr Elmer Ibarra. Some of them, when they die still have some venial sins, which are not so serious as mortal sins, but they are not yet ready to enter heaven. So, in a way, they are still “suffering” in the sense that the time they get to see God and enjoy heaven is delayed. The gospel reading for today is about Jesus telling disciples that he was about to leave them. Of course, his disciples are worried for they don’t know where Jesus is going and how they could follow him. However, Jesus assured them that they should not be afraid for he will be preparing a place for them and he will be coming back to take them to himself. Thomas though said, “Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” Then Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” All lives that God has created are important because he loves and found everything that he has done to be good. That’s why God wants everyone to be with him. He doesn’t want anybody to be lost. Yet, justice naturally tells us we must be made worthy before we can be received by our God. I think this is the reason why purgatory is made available for those who are worthy to enter the heavenly kingdom but still needs some “purifying” before they can be admitted. So, as we commemorate our faithful departed, let us do our part by praying for them and offering Masses. So that when the time comes that they get admitted into the heavenly kingdom, they in turn will pray and intercede for us so that we too can be with them and all will be reunited in the kingdom of God. Read more of Fr Elmer's reflection: https://divineword.org.au/news/scripture-reflections/item/1819-commemoration-of-all-souls-2025 (fb)

Today the Church celebrates All Saints Day. "On this Feast of All Saints we remember the countless multitude of men, women and children, including many we have known, who are now in heaven. We continue to be inspired by the qualities they revealed in their lives: humility, a concern for justice, a gentleness, purity of heart, mercy and courage. We take comfort in knowing that from their home in heaven, they intercede from us still." (Taken from the introduction to the Mass For All Saints Day) (fb)