November 2, 2003

Daniel 12:1-3 + Romans 6:3-9 + John 6:37-40

If we observe All Souls Day and only remember those who have died, we accomplish only half of what this feast is about. Prayers that wrap the fond memories of our loved ones are part of this day’s tradition. These prayers are not so much an effort to “reduce a sentence” as they are the acknowledgement that these people we love are still alive with God. Their memory brings us closer to God. Solidarity and communion in the Spirit is all part of what we experience today.

Purification is not something left till judgment. It is an ongoing piece of a healthy spiritual life that reflects the desire for and the struggle for holiness and goodness. Purgatory is a lifestyle, not a holding pen. The second part of this day that takes us beyond our prayerful and grateful memories of lives that have gone before us concerns purification: not the purification of others, but the purification of our own lives.

The story of Moses taking off his shoes because the place was holy

carries the image beautifully in a way we can understand.  People who live by the spirit, deeply rooted in faith, live repentance humbly and consistently aware of their unworthiness. Our struggle with sin,

our efforts at conversion, our prayers for forgiveness, are all part of the purification of the human spirit longing to be present to the divine Spirit. This day is also about that purification.

We are here thinking of death in the midst of life, As believers, we  re here thinking of life in the midst of death. The sober, but not frightening, reminder this feast provides can wisely lead us further into holiness and grace; bring us a great measure of peace, and bring about forgiveness, given and received. The list of names in this book, and the names we shall speak in this Mass grows longer every year until it shall include our own.

A culture that prizes youth or youthfulness above all things is a culture in denial about death, and this feast does not permit the denial. Today we can put aside our pretense and renew our efforts to prepare and purify our lives to be worthy of the promise made to us. Today we can also renew our ties with those who have gone before us to God. We pray for them – not because they cannot – but because we want to pray with them. We may ask for their forgiveness for all of things we did not do when we might have; and in such prayer, we can realize our union with them in God,in Christ, and in the Spirit.

Then, fresh from this experience, we might better approach each coming day as an opportunity to express our love, to set aside anger in order to be reconciled, and let others know how much they mean to us. Each day can be a chance to visit and care for one another and learn patience. This is Purification: the work of repentance and conversion. These and so many other words and works will help us to be less encumbered by regret when next we celebrate this feast together.