All Soul’s Day 

   “In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places.  If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be.” (John 14: 2 – 3) 

   Today is All Souls Day, a special day of remembrance and prayer for our loved ones who have gone before us.  It can be a difficult day for many, a day when their loss weighs heavily upon them.

   However, it should not be a day of sorrow if we believe the words of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Death is not the end but the beginning.  The faithfully departed are with the Lord; they no longer know the pains and sorrows of this world, but only the joy of the next. 

   We linger in this exile, mourning the loss of our loved ones, but even a bit envious of the peace and happiness they know in God’s kingdom.  But our time will come.  Jesus has prepared a place for us as well and will come and take us to Himself when this life is over.

   Take some time this day, and every day, to quietly sit and remember our loved ones who are with the Lord.  Give thanks for the joy and happiness they know in their heavenly mansion.  Pray and live life that we may join them when our time on this earth is done. 

“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.  May all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.”  Amen