As I imagine myself among the crowds listening to Jesus, I hear his assurance that he will never turn away from us. Earlier in this passage, when asked the question, Jesus answers that what God wants us to do is to believe in him. Eternal peace will be the outcome.
All Souls Day was established by the church to remember those who have gone before us, who are now in God’s care—perhaps our parents, grandparents, ancestors who laid the foundation for our faith and trust in Jesus. It is a day to name and remember in prayer those who, by the grace of God, were placed in our lives to love us, teach us, pray with us, offer words of encouragement, thus giving meaning to our lives. Who were those loved ones who were instrumental in shaping me into who I am today?
—Pat Schloemer is a member of St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, Cincinnati, Ohio, and in her fourth year of service with the Ignatian Lay Volunteer Corps. Pat and Sam Schloemer have been married 54 years, have 4 married children, and 11 grandchildren.