The WORD in other words (2018) by Fr Jay Baliao SVD – Timor Leste
All Souls Day – November 2
Coming out of the house after a funeral blessing, a leper came to me excitedly. He grabbed and kissed my hand saying, “Father, I invite you to please come and bless me also when I die.” To my surprise, I replied jokingly, “Grandpa, when will you die?” He continued, “I’m already old. My time to depart this world is near. Only God knows and I’m willing to accept it.”
The man was heartened when we prayed for the dead as a community and when I blessed the deceased. His faith and hope for life after death was kindled. He was prepared to accept death to find new life. Hence, he wanted to preserve his remaining body for the Lord.
Our Gospel today tells us that there is indeed a resurrection from death. Since “the Son has been granted by the Father to have life in Himself and the authority to execute judgement,” one may either receive life or judgement from Him. Obviously, the resurrection from death has two doors for admission – either to that of life or to that of judgment. On the resurrection day, we will be grouped in two according to what befits us.
The repetition of the words “truly, truly” is an expression of assurance to a bold promise. “For whoever hears the word of the Son, believes the Father who sent the Son, and have done good shall go forth to the resurrection of life.” Otherwise, he/she goes forth to the resurrection of judgment.
The two doors for admission are open noticeably. Take the test seriously. Truly, truly! Make the best out of life sincerely. There is a good company waiting for us excitedly.
Blessed be our souls on the resurrection day! Happy all souls day!
