The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed

Today's Mass Readings

Seminarians of Conception Seminary College are our daily reflection writers for the first half of November. Every day will feature a reflection from a different seminarian. This is an opportunity for our seminarians to put their education into practice and connect with the people of God in a pastoral way.

“There are three deaths. The first is when the body ceases to function. The second is when the body is consigned to the grave. The third is that moment, sometime in the future, when your name is spoken for the last time.”

Everyone has had someone close to them pass away. It could be a mother, father, grandfather, grandmother, siblings, friends, or coworkers. We often remember these people who pass away. Whether it’s in a shrine for Día de Los Muertos, establishing some kind of memorial for them on the day of their death every year, planting a tree, or putting their name on a park bench, we hope that we will keep the memories with us forever. One of the best ways we can continue to remember them is today, the Feast of All Souls, the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed.

Just as we keep our loved ones in prayer, so we should also do with all the souls of the faithful departed, especially those who have passed long ago. As St. Paul reminds us in his letter to the Romans, those who live in Christ who have died shall live again with him, since death has no power over Christ, in whom we live.

Cherish the ones around you. Keep death always before you. Make every meeting with one another a positive one. You never know if or when you will see them again. Tell the ones you love that you love them.

Reflection by Ryan Cortez, seminarian
Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau