Gospel: John 6:37-40
Jesus assures us that He will not turn away anyone who comes to Him. No matter what our past may have been, Jesus is ready to welcome us with open arms. All of us have checkered histories and laments of things we’ve done. But that doesn’t close the door to our chance of spending eternity in heaven. Recently, Pope Leo canonized seven new saints, among them Bartolo Longo. As a young man, Bartolo went to Naples to study law, became involved in the occult, and was “ordained” a Satanic priest. But God did not give up on him. Bartolo later returned to the Catholic faith and became a Dominican tertiary, dedicating his life to the Virgin Mary and promoting the rosary. Bartolo certainly did not start as saintly material, but God touched his heart, and Bartolo cooperated with God’s grace.
We remember in a particular way today, and throughout November, all the faithful departed who are in Purgatory. Some may be our relatives, acquaintances, or co-workers. These souls are at the threshold of heaven but need our prayers. Before His Ascension, Jesus assured His disciples and us that He would not leave us alone, but was going to prepare a place for us, for there are many rooms in His Father’s House. Let us remember the Holy Souls today and, through our prayers, help them to enter their heavenly home.
Sister Marcella Louise Wallowicz, CSFN
