Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed
First Reading: Wisdom 3:1-9
The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace. For if before men, indeed, they be punished, yet is their hope full of immortality; Chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed, because God tried them and found them worthy of himself. As gold in the furnace, he proved them, and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself. In the time of their visitation they shall shine, and shall dart about as sparks through stubble; They shall judge nations and rule over peoples, and the LORD shall be their King forever. Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with him in love: Because grace and mercy are with his holy ones, and his care is with the elect.
Responsorial Psalm: 23:1-3.3-4.5.6
Response: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. In verdant pastures he gives me repose; beside restful waters he leads me; he refreshes my soul. (Response)
He guides me in right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side with your rod and your staff that give me courage. (Response)
You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. (Response)
Only goodness and kindness follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come. (Response)
Response: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. In verdant pastures he gives me repose; beside restful waters he leads me; he refreshes my soul. (Response)
He guides me in right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side with your rod and your staff that give me courage. (Response)
You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. (Response)
Only goodness and kindness follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come. (Response)
Second Reading: Romans 5:5-11
Brothers
and sisters: Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us. For Christ, while we were still helpless, yet died at the appointed time for the ungodly. Indeed, only with difficulty does one die for a just person, though perhaps for a good person one might even find courage to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. How much more then, since we are now justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from the wrath. Indeed, if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, how much more, once reconciled, will we be saved by his life. Not only that, but we also boast of God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
Gospel Reading: John 6:37-40
Jesus said to the crowds: "Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and I will not reject anyone who comes to me, because I came down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of the one who sent me. And this is the will of the one who sent me, that I should not lose anything of what he gave me, but that I should raise it on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day."
God sent Jesus into the world to give back to the people the life which they lost because of their sin. The divine life is now available to the people in Jesus. Jesus has derived this life from the same father himself. As the breath of the father gave life to the world in creation so also now the world regains that life through the body and blood of Jesus.
Reflection: Fr. James Theophilus
God is the source of life. Creation stories tell all the wonders about the faith of the people of Israel. Every bit if life on earth proceeded from God. His word was so powerful that at his command things were made. Again he breathed life into man. He became a living being. God given life (divine life) was lost through sin and this was their belief too.God sent Jesus into the world to give back to the people the life which they lost because of their sin. The divine life is now available to the people in Jesus. Jesus has derived this life from the same father himself. As the breath of the father gave life to the world in creation so also now the world regains that life through the body and blood of Jesus.
