Remembering Those We Love and Those We Didn't

November 2nd is traditionally celebrated as the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed. On this day we remember in particular those who have gone before us marked with the sign of Faith, as well as anyone that we might remember.

In the Catechism from page 862 of the Book of Common Prayer we read: Q: Why do we pray for the dead? A. We pray for them, because we still hold them in our love, and because we trust that in God's presence those who have chosen to serve him will grow in his love, until they see him as he is.

Given the short number of years we are on this earth, it is hardly possible that we will have completed the work of holiness before we die. There is most likely some way in which we could have loved people more, better and without reservation. There are things that we may not entirely have understood. However, hope does not die once our mortal bodies no longer breath air. Jesus Christ did rise from the dead, meaning death is not the final word for us. And so, we pray daily for ourselves as well as for all those who have gone before us, that they too someday may enjoy the fullness of God's presence in God's eternal kingdom.

Today is a great day to remember our relatives, friends, benefactors, those who reached out to us that we never quite said "thank you" to. It is a great day to remember those who died of HIV/AIDS. Many mothers who passed away due to breast cancer can be remembered today. Remember those who have died due to violence or war. But in particular remember those who might not have anyone to pray for them.

All of us have loved one's who have passed that we miss. Some of us have people who have passed on who we never quite was able to say goodbye. Today is a great day and a great way to remember them.

Let us pray today in a special way for all those who have died that they may enjoy the fullness of God's presence.

O God, who by the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ destroyed death, and brought life and immortality to light; Grant that all your servants, being raised with him, may know the strength of Christ's presence, and rejoice in God's eternal glory; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, Page 493).