By Father Andrew Kelly
THE COMMEMORATION OF ALL THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED – NOV. 2, 2014
It has been said that if God is not eternal, everlasting, never-ending unconditional love, mercy, compassion and forgiveness then God is not God. This gives meaning to John 6:39: “…that I should lose nothing of all that the Father has given me…”
Because of who God is, God wills no human being ever be lost no matter who they are or where they are.
This is very consoling and hopeful as on Sunday the believing community celebrates “The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed.”
Eucharistic Prayer II includes this beautifully profound prayer: “Remember also our brothers and sisters who have fallen asleep in the hope of the resurrection, and all who have died in your mercy; welcome them into the light of your face.”
It is impossible for God not be merciful if God is going to be God. This means that every human being dies in God’s mercy. They may be a saint, sinner, infidel, believer, nonbeliever, scoundrel, reprobate or whatever.
Ideally Sunday’s celebration will be filled with joy and unending Alleluias. Why? Because of who God is. All who have died in God’s mercy are welcomed into the light of God’s face. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
(Father Andrew Kelly is a retired priest of the Diocese of Davenport.)
