Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: November 2, 2023

Date in the Ordine: All Souls’ Day - Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed

Scripture Text: 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 his elect.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The first reading for today, the commemoration of all the faithful departed, is from the Book of Wisdom, and gives us cause for great hope as to the lives of our beloved whom we have lost. The text speaks of their souls being “in peace” because the LORD has “proved them” and taken them to himself. We are called to “trust in” the LORD so that we might understand the truth: “the faithful shall abide with Him in love because grace and mercy are with his holy ones and his care is with his elect.”

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I deeply and wholly believe in the LORD’s love and mercy for all His children? Do I believe in life in the LORD for those who have passed away? Who, when passing from life on earth to the eternal would not seek the LORD and His mercy?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, for love of us all, You send your beloved Son to dwell among us, to reveal your great love and unfathomable mercy to us not only through his teaching and miracles, but most especially through his selfless sacrifice for our salvation upon the cross of Calvary. Salvation from You, through your only-begotten Son, in the Spirit is offered to us, your daughters and sons. Send your Spirit to stir within us the love of your children, the resolve to live as You created us to live, and the wisdom and humility to seek your forgiveness and mercy for those times in our lives when we have strayed. We pray for our loved ones who have passed from this life, that they are with You, in your care, abiding in your love. We ask this in the name of your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.