All Souls Day - November 2, 2011

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This can be a bittersweet day. We remember with sadness the death of those we love. Yet, because of our faith in Jesus, we come to this day and this Mass filled with hope. We have a confident assurance, based on God’s promise, that all who died with Christ will live with Christ.

The 2006 movie Return of the King is an adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s final segment of his Lord of the Rings trilogy. In the middle of the movie there is a poignant scene between Gandalf (the wise Wizard) and Pippin (the little hobbit, seemingly an unimportant character). It takes place just as the forces of evil are about to conquer the land and kill all who fight against them. In a moment of rest Pippin says to Gandalf, “I did not think it would end this way.” He was meaning his life. Gandalf responds, with a smirk on his face, “End? This is not the end. Death is just a doorway into something even better than this life.” In one simple sentence, Gandalf offers a Catholic understanding of life, death and afterlife.

In our Gospel today Jesus reminds his listeners that all who believe in him belong to him, and that he would never lose anyone who trusted in him. Those who believe in him will be “raised on the last day.” That message was spoken two thousand years ago, but it is equally as powerful for us today. It is a promise spoken to all who have already died, including men and women from our parish, our families and our friends. It is a promise for us too!

It hurts to say farewell to those we love. It helps to know that they have walked through a door where God waits to keep his promise!