All Souls Day – pray for our deceased loved ones

In just a few days we will be celebrating Halloween. There will be candy and other treats to pass out or collect in the rite known as “Trick or Treat.” We all hope that COVID doesn’t smash this tradition this year.
The day after Halloween is All Saints Day. In fact, Halloween is really just the eve before All Hallows Day. While both of these days are spectacular and worthy of our attention and celebration, I want to focus on a day that is often forgotten, or worse, not known about at all. I speak of course about All Souls Day which is Nov. 2.
This day is set aside for us to pray for our beloved dead. As Catholics we know that we are saved by our faith in Christ Jesus. But we also know that, as St. Paul admonishes us, our works will come to light (see 1 Cor 3:10-15). As Catholics we know that faith is not just a noun. We know that true faith must be put into action. St. James makes this clear in his letter (see Jm 2:26). James challenges his readers to demonstrate their faith without works. James goes on to say that he would show his faith through his works. You cannot separate faith and works any more than you can separate love from loving acts and action.
St. Paul also says in the above reference Scripture that if someone builds on the foundation of Jesus Christ, but does not build with high quality material, “will suffer loss.” They will be saved, but as through fire. When we piece this all together we clearly see that Purgatory is in the Bible, even though the Bible does not use that word. Since this is the case, it is a good and holy duty for us to pray for those people who are being perfected. Anytime we have to grow it involves a certain sense of suffering.
So let’s circle Nov. 2 and remember to pray for our deceased loved ones.
— Pat Arensberg is the Director of the Office for Evangelization and Family Life. Email him at [email protected]
For more information concerning the events of this office, visit us at mobilefaithformation.org