02 November 2010

November Rain

It's already only just the second day of the month of November, and already we're seeing the dreariness of the month. In fact, for the past 2 days I've had to check outside to make sure that we are, in fact, still in Arkansas and didn't somehow magically appear in London during the eve of all hallows.

Despite the dreary weather, we have two beautiful feast days to celebrate here at the beginning of the month, both of which we celebrate the beauty and joy of the life to come. Perhaps the weather is a perfect metaphor for what this earthly life is in comparison to what it will be when our day comes.

The feasts of All Saints and All Souls remind us that those who have gone before us are no longer subject to this life which binds us all; they have become more living than we in this life could ever be and remind us that such is to be our destination if we persevere in faith. We celebrate with the hope of one day joining the Saints, known and unknown, who came before us and ask for their prayers that we may persevere in faith become “the ones who have survived the time of great distress; they have washed their robes and made them white in the Blood of the Lamb.” Rev 7:14 Ora pro nobis!

At All Saint's we pray for those who have gone before us; those souls in the process of being cleansed prior to entering heaven. We pray that their process of cleansing will be sped so that they will sooner see God face to face. We pray: Eternal rest grant unto them, oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen. Dona eis requiem.

Wishing a blessed All Souls day to all. And GET OUT THERE AND VOTE!