31st Sunday in Ordinary Time (All Souls Day)
2nd November 2025
Lectionary Readings: Wis 3:1-9; Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6; Rom 5:5-11; John 6:37-40
Theme: Prayer and intercession: Connection and unity (Wis 3:1-9)
El Día de los Muertos, In the Philippines, Undas, also known as All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day is a deeply cherished and significant observance. Celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, it embodies a tradition rich in customs and rituals that honor our departed loved ones.
Undas serves as a profound reminder of the bonds that transcend life and death, helping those who have passed on their journey to heaven. Originating in monastic communities and embraced by the Roman Catholic Church in the 11th century, this day is steeped in reverence. Common practices during Undas inspire connection and remembrance, including attending Mass, visiting cemeteries, praying for the departed, and cherishing memories of loved ones. Undas, also referred to as “el Día de los Muertos” or “araw ng mga patay” (Day of the Dead), illuminates the beauty of honoring our loved ones and celebrating their eternal presence in our lives.
All Souls’ Day, also referred to as the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, is a meaningful Christian observance observed on November 2nd. This day provides an opportunity to reflect on and pray for those who have passed away, particularly focusing on those believed to be in Purgatory. It follows the celebration of All Saints’ Day on November 1st. Engaging in practices such as attending Mass, visiting cemeteries, and praying for deceased loved ones allows us to honor their memories and strengthen our connection with them. This day serves as a powerful reminder for Christians of the belief in the Communion of Saints, uniting us with the faithful departed. According to the Vatican’s General Norms for the Liturgical Year and Calendar, established on March 21, 1969, various readings from Lectionary 668 can be selected to enrich this observance. Embracing these traditions fosters a sense of community and spiritual growth as we remember and pray for our departed loved ones.
In Wisdom 3:1-9 CSB p 901-902, we are gently reminded that the souls of the righteous are held in God’s loving hands, where they find peace and immortality after death. It reassures us that, despite how others may view them, these souls are truly cared for by God. This passage brings comfort during times of loss, reminding us that the righteous are not truly gone but are embraced by a divine presence.
Psalm 23:1-6 CSB p 743, a passage that many of us find solace in, speaks deeply about “The Shepherd’s Provision and Rest.” It begins with the comforting words, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” This beautiful imagery portrays God as a shepherd who looks after us with love and care. In verses 1-3a, we find assurance of peace and rest, while verses 3b-4 offer guidance and restoration in times of need. Furthermore, verses 5-6 remind us that even in the face of adversity, we can experience comfort and abundance through God’s presence. It concludes with a powerful promise of His enduring goodness and mercy, inviting us to trust in a hopeful future within His care.
Another significant reading today is from Romans 5:5-11 CSB p 1585, which touches our hearts by reminding us that, as Christians, we can hold onto a confident hope. This hope is rooted in God’s incredible love, revealed through the sacrifice of Jesus, leading to our reconciliation and peace with Him. It reassures us that this hope is steadfast, not disappointing, as it stems from God’s powerful love rather than our achievements. This passage encourages us to rejoice, even in moments of suffering, knowing that we are never alone on our journey. The Gospel reading for the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls), taken from John 6:37-40 CSB p 1499-1500, offers a beautiful message of hope. It reminds us that everyone who comes to Jesus, given to Him by the Father, will never be turned away. He assures us that we will have eternal life and be raised on the last day. At the heart of this message is the wonderful truth that salvation is a gift from the Father. God wants all who believe in Jesus to be saved, and He promises that no one who turns to Him will ever be lost. This passage highlights how God has chosen to share His love through Jesus, and it confirms that those who “look on the Son and believe in Him” will receive the gift of eternal life.
As Christians and followers of Christ, we can trust in His protective care. Jesus promises, “I will never cast out anyone who comes to Me,” which gives us reassurance and comfort in knowing that He is committed to our salvation. We also celebrate being the Easter people, believing wholeheartedly in His promise of resurrection. The outcome of God’s will and Jesus promises is that on the last day, those who believe, will be raised to enjoy everlasting life.
So, it’s clear that John 6:37-40 beautifully emphasizes the significance of faith and belief in Jesus. Coming to Him and placing our trust in Him is essential for receiving salvation and eternal life. This passage reveals that faith is not just a response to God’s gift; it is the vital key that unlocks the door to salvation through Jesus. Our observance of All Souls’ Day embodies the Catholic Church’s profound belief in purgatory (Catholic Church’s Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) refers to All Souls Day in paragraphs 1030-1032 p 291), a sacred process of final purification for those who die in God’s grace, striving for perfect holiness before entering heaven. Officially known as the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, this day serves as a powerful call for the Church on Earth to pray fervently for the souls in purgatory. By offering Masses and heartfelt prayers, we join in their transformative journey toward the joy of heaven.
Eschatologically, All Souls’ Day is a meaningful occasion that commemorates the souls of those who have passed away, especially those in purgatory who are being purified to prepare for heaven. This day is special because it reminds us that we can help these souls through our prayers and sacrifices. It encourages us to think about the important aspects of life and faith: death, judgment, and the journey toward eternal life in heaven or punishment in hell. The Catholic Church’s beliefs about All Souls’ Day are supported by various books in the Bible. For example, the Old Testament has 2 Maccabees CSB p 664, while the New Testament includes important passages from the Gospels of Matthew (especially chapters 24 and 25 CSB p1385-1390), as well as from 1 Corinthians CSB p1600, 1 Thessalonians p1676, and the Book of Revelation p1751. These scriptures offer heartfelt teachings about prayer for those who have passed away, the idea of purification after death, and the final judgment. Together, they help us understand the Church’s views on what happens to souls after we leave this life.
This lovely tradition is rooted in the belief in the Communion of Saints, which represents the spiritual connection between those of us living on Earth, the souls in purgatory (known as the Church suffering), and the saints in heaven (the Church triumphant). The Catechism of the Catholic Church beautifully expresses this idea, saying that everyone who dies in God’s grace and friendship, even if they still have some purification to undergo, is assured of eternal salvation. This journey of purification offers hope and grace to all of us.
On All Souls’ Day, we take time to pray, remember, and set intentions for the peace and eternal rest of these souls. Many find comfort in visiting cemeteries, lighting candles, and praying for loved ones who have passed away. This practice not only fosters a sense of connection but also gives us hope that their spirits are at peace in the afterlife.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord “Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine”
For Reflection and Discussion: 1. How might I honor my loved ones on All Souls Day? The memories and love of those who have passed, shape my identity and remind me of the enduring impact they have on my life, inspiring me to carry their legacy forward?
Bibliography: Donald Senior, ET Al; The Catholic Study Bible 3rd Edition 2010; The New American Bible, Saint Joseph Edition 2011;The Catholic Prayer Bible 1993; Brown R.E; An Introduction to the New Testament 1997 p386;Liddell & Scott’s: Greek-English Lexicon 1889;McKenzie, J.L. Dictionary of the Bible (NewYork:1965);www.archbalt.org/GeneralNormsLiturgicalYear;www.catholic-resources.org/Lectionary
This week’s Sunday Liturgy Commentary was prepared by
Dunhill Malunar Timkang, Jerusalem – Israel, Bat Kol Secretary
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