Hope Does Not Disappoint.
The Feast of All Souls’ Day reminds us to cherish the special bond we share
with our loved ones who have passed away. In the first reading from Wisdom, we
are comforted by these words: “The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and
no torment shall touch them.” Today we are encouraged to pray for those who
have gone before us and for all the faithful departed; it is a day to take a few
heartfelt moments to remember and honor their presence in our lives. In our
hearts and prayers, we hold dear the memories of our loved ones. Even though
they are no longer with us physically, the memories of our loved ones continue to
influence and shape who we are. Our faith assures us that they are in God’s
loving care. For those in Purgatory undergoing purification, our prayers lift and
support them, reminding us of the ongoing bond we share through love and faith.
We assist them in their journey to heaven by offering Mass intentions, visiting
gravesites, performing good works, praying, and asking for God’s mercy to
forgive their sins.
The second reading fills us with hope, telling us, “Hope does not disappoint,
because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts.” This hope is
vibrant and strong, reaching not just to us but also to those we pray for. We can
take comfort and find peace, knowing that despite our sinfulness, Christ loves us
and died for us. This constant love of His remains our steady anchor in both life
and death. As Jesus assures us in today’s Gospel, “Everything that the Father
gives me will come to me, and I will not reject anyone who comes to me.” These
words strengthen our faith and hope that all who believe in Him and put His word
into practice will receive eternal life. On this feast day, we approach God with
hope, trusting that He welcomes our loved ones into His heavenly home. We
also pray for those who have no one to pray for them. Let us celebrate the love
that unites us, the love that even death cannot conquer.
Dear brothers and sisters, as we lift our prayers and entrust our loved ones
who have gone before us into God’s loving care, let us hold onto faith and hope
in His promise of eternal life. Let us remember that He is the God of the living
and of the dead and will grant eternal rest to all who trust in Him. May our
prayers provide comfort and strength, not only today but always, as we continue
to honor, remember, and pray for our loved ones. We look forward to the day we
will reunite with them in a place filled with joy, love, and peace.Fr. Dominic Toan Tran, Pastor