Saturday, November 02, 2013. Today's Liturgical Reading by Daily Flash, Goa. 

Commemoration of the Faithful Departed (All Souls Day). 

Isaiah 25:6-9; Psalm 26[27]:1, 4, 7-9, 13-14; Romans 5:5-11; Gospel : Luke 7:11-17. [Please share today's Gospel with family,friends/neighbors.]

Focus: "For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly" (Romans 5:6)

A few questions may arise in our minds about All Souls' Day. If 'Christ died for the ungodly' (Focus) then are we not all saved already? Are further prayers really required? If so, how many Masses need to be offered for one soul? What about the departed who have no one to offer Masses or even pray for them?

The answer to these questions is that none of us can tell the power of prayer. God is not only just but merciful. We do not know how many souls will be saved by a single Mass offered by us. So on this day the whole Church prays collectively for all the faithful departed.

Another question that arises is the following. Since we pray for the dead at every Mass anyway. ("Remember, Lord those who have died"), why have an All Souls' Day?

This day is a reminder that we need to pray for the departed. It encourages us to have concern and love for others - whether they are our dear ones or not. It reminds us to be unselfish, generous and universal in our love. Because someday each of us must inevitably join 'the faithful departed.'

Above all, this day reminds us to die for others just as Christ died for us. 

Fruit: While I pray for the dead let me also think how I can die for the living today.