All Souls Day offers a powerful invitation to pause and reflect, not only on those we’ve loved and lost, but also on how we view death itself. And when All Souls Day falls on a Sunday, like this year, we get to do that together as a Church family.
I’m not a theologian, and I don’t pretend to have a deep understanding of the mystery of eternal life. But I can say that in recent years, the way I think about death has changed. In 2020, I lost my mom. Just a year later, my dad. They were both incredible people, but more than that, they handled their final chapters with grace and peace.
So many people fear death. We talk about “bucket lists” and all the things we need to do before it’s our time. But I’ll never forget when my mom was nearing the end of her cancer journey, Fr. Ron came to anoint her. Later, he shared with me how deeply moved he was by her peace. He said he had never met anyone who made death such a gift to others and that has stayed with me and something I frequently think about.
In some of the common readings we hear at funerals (and on All Souls Day), we are reminded that “the souls of the just are in the hand of God… they are at peace” (Wisdom 3:1). St. Paul also writes that “if we die with Christ, we will also live with Him.” (Romans 6:8). This promise doesn’t erase grief, but it gives it meaning. It assures us that death is not the end.
I’m not where my parents were in terms of peace, but am grateful for their example. I am also grateful for my faith, which teaches me to look beyond the grave. I can’t imagine not having that reassurance.
We may never feel totally ready for death, but we can be hopeful. This All Souls Day, let’s remember those we’ve lost, be inspired by their witness, and let the promise of eternal life change the way we see death.
