THE COMMEMORATION OF ALL THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED (ALL SOULS’ DAY)

While we were still sinners Christ died for us. 

What do you think of when you hear the word “sinner”? How about “ungodly” or “enemy of God”? They’re not the kind of words we would use to describe our best friends, our spouses, people we admire, or ourselves, for that matter. But that’s how Paul describes all of us, fallen humanity (Romans 5:6, 8, 10). He even called himself the “foremost” of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). And yet, he says, Jesus loved us so much that he died for us.

This is a stupendous truth! Jesus values all of us so deeply—sinners that we are—that he was willing to endure the cross for us. There is not a single person whom he considers unworthy of his love and care. He sacrificed himself for each and every one of us. He even prayed, “Father, forgive them” as his executioners drove the nails into his hands and feet (Luke 23:34).

This is the message of All Souls Day. Today we celebrate the truth that no one is so sinful that they are outside of the scope of God’s love. Everyone has the chance to experience that love—countless chances, in fact. Anyone who turns to the Lord at any point in their lives can receive it.

While we were still sinners . . . For anyone who has not closed himself off completely from God’s love, this promise extends even beyond death. This is the heart of the Church’s teaching on Purgatory. The Catechism tells us, “All who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; . . . after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven” (1030, emphasis added).

So don’t give up on any of your loved ones—or any of your enemies. And for heaven’s sake, don’t give up on yourself! You may be a sinner, but you are a beloved, cherished sinner for whom Christ died. He is always ready to heal, to forgive, and to cleanse. Always. Even today.

“Lord, may the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.”

Wisdom 3:1-9
Romans 6:3-9
Psalm 23:1-6
John 6:37-40