Psalm 90:10 says: “The life span of a man is 70, 80 for those who are strong.” Today’s occasion is reminding us of the truth about the reality of death. Friends, none of us here are immortal. We are finite and will someday be gone. When? In what way? Where? What time? I don’t know. What is certain is, someday we will face the reality of death. We are only pilgrims on this earth. We are on a journey.

All Soul’s Day reminds us that death takes the body but God takes our soul. Our physical body will disappear but our soul will continue to exist. Life is changed but not ended. Our faith tells us that one day, we will rise again on the resurrection of the dead. This conviction is very evident in our gospel for today. There is a judgement day. “All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand.” The righteous will be rewarded and the wicked will be punished.

How to escape the punishment? Today’s gospel tells us the answer. “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did it for me.” Simply put, to gain the reward of eternal life, we are encouraged to observe the following seven corporal works of mercy: feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, care for the sick, visit the imprisoned and bury the dead.

Are we not wondering why dead people receive more flowers than living ones? It is because regret is stronger than gratitude. Friends, life is like ice cream. Enjoy it before it melts. How to enjoy it? Love people, not things. Do good and be good!

As we remember the souls of our faithful departed, we turn to God and implore His mercy for our beloved dead. Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord, and let Your perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.

Blessings
Fr. Jhack