Homily All Souls Day - November 2, 2025

 Today's readings can be found here.

            I have a family member who is an avowed atheist.  He believes that this life is all there is.  He’s a very kind person and my wife and I completely respect him and his beliefs.  However, I do wonder what he hopes in.  If we put our hope in the things of the world, we’ll always be let down.  We can try to gather wealth to ensure we have everything to meet our physical needs.  We can try to rely on our leaders to create a better world.  We can try to be fulfilled as individuals through a career or in relationships with others.  But at some point, the things of the world will disappoint us.  Nothing of the world can make us truly happy.

            On this feast of All Souls Day, our readings give us an alternative to hoping in the world.  Our first reading reminds us that the souls of the just are in God’s hands and that they are in peace.  Psalm 23 beautifully tells us to place our hope and trust in God.  God walks with us and will care for us.  Paul reminds us that hope will not disappoint because we have the love of God in us through the Holy Spirit.  In our Gospel, Jesus tells us He will not reject anyone who comes to Him.  Further, Jesus says it is the will of God that all who believe in Him will have eternal life and be raised on the last day.

            We must place our hope in God and in Jesus.  I think this is a message the world needs today more than ever.  I’ve talked to many people lately who are struggling to hope.  People are afraid.  I spoke to someone that is a legal immigrant but is afraid of what will happen when they go to renew their green card.  I have friends in the LGBTQ+ community that are afraid for their safety.  I’ve know some students are afraid to speak openly about their beliefs among their peers.  We overcome this fear with hope.  Hope is not a feeling.  Hope is an action.  We must decide to hope in Jesus.  In a recent homily, Bishop Francesco Savino stated “Let’s make hope walk on our legs, each of us by their own accord, but all of us together nurturing and carrying forward this hope that the world so vitally needs.”

            Hope has legs.  Our legs.  We must nurture it and carry it forward.  We nurture our faith by getting to know Jesus better.  We can’t hope in someone we don’t know.  Regardless of where we are on our faith journey, we can all become closer to Jesus.  There are many ways to do so, but I’d like to suggest something that’s been on my heart lately.  Take some quiet time and just sit with Jesus.  Not necessarily reciting a prayer.  Simply be in God’s presence and listen.  Perhaps reflect on the Scripture passage “Be still and know that I am God”.  We get to know someone better through conversation.  Take time to listen to what God may be trying to tell you.

            We carry hope forward by interacting with others.  My wife and I recently had a conversation with our oldest son.  He is concerned about the things going on in the world and all the hate he’s seeing.  He felt like he couldn’t do much about what politicians are doing or saying.  His answer was to start going back to Mass.  In listening to God’s word to him, he realized he needs to find a ministry that uses his talents.  A ministry that allows him to build relationships and community.  Our boy is gaining some wisdom and made us proud.  We also should find ways to give hope to others by building relationships and community.  There are many opportunities to do so.  Here at Nativity, the Knights of Columbus and Catholic Daughters serve our community.  There are other ways to volunteer our time as well.  Become part of or start a prayer group.  It builds relationships and benefits those you pray for.  Participate in an organized recreational activity.  My wife and I joined a bowling league and witness to others through casual conversations.  We should look for any opportunity to spread hope to those that need it.

            All Souls Day is a time to remember those that have gone before us.  It is also a time to remember God’s promise to them and to us.  Jesus will not reject anyone who comes to Him.  Those that believe in Jesus will have eternal life and be raised on the last day.  Jesus provides us with the hope that things of the world cannot provide.  Let us spread that hope with others by deepening our relationship with Jesus.  Let us build community to allow that hope to walk on our legs.