All Souls Day

Holy Gifts, Holy People

Luke 7:11-17

"God's holy gifts for God's holy people!" is the theme of the communion of Saints.

The communion of Saints is a two-fold communion of holy things coming from the Lord Jesus and the communion of persons that make up the People of God.

And who are God's people? The Communion of Saints refers to the entire Church which is not in any way interrupted by death, "in the union of wayfarers with the brethren who sleep in the peace of Christ is in no way interrupted, but on the contrary, according to the constant faith of the church, this union is reinforced by the exchange of spiritual goods." (CCC 494)

Who comprise God's people?

First, we recall to mind those in heaven, our communion with the saints. "Our communion with the saints joins us to Christ, from whom as form its foundation and head issues all grace, and the life of the People of God itself." (498)

Second, we reinforce our communion with the dead.  "Our prayer for them is capable not only of helping them, but also of making their intercession for us effective." (500)

Third, our communion with one another.  "For if we continue to love one another and to join in praising the Most Holy Trinity - all of us who are sons of God and form one family in Christ - we will be faithful to the deepest vocation of the Church." (501)

Grant that we may see the values of these two days, All Saints Day and All Souls Day as days of not of fear or death, but life, holiness and communion.