St James Catholic Church

The month of November is set aside to remember and honor all those who have preceded us in death.  Perhaps it’s because nature, too, is hibernating, dying in this fall season of the year.  We recall especially those family, friends, and parishioners who have passed away this past year.  It is very normal to struggle with our faith when we are experiencing grief and sorrow.  Death comes with pain and questions that can never be fully satisfied.  Why was she or he taken so young?  Why did he or she suffer so much?  How will I ever get through this?  Each weekend we come together as a faith family to be nourished at the table of the Word and sacrament.  May the risen Lord, whom we receive in the Eucharist, strengthen and sustain us as we pray for those we have lost.

Our readings today focus on two women whose powerful faith sustains them in their grief and loss.  Though we know very little about their backgrounds, both women are widows, so they have lost their husbands, bringing both emotional and financial pain.  One widow has no food for herself and her son but a handful of flour and a little oil.  The other has no money but two small coins.  Yet each is willing to offer what little they have to God’s work.  The sacrifice each makes, is a sign of the great sacrifice Christ himself makes on the cross for all of us.

In the book of Revelation (20:15) declares, “If anyone’s name was not found written in the Book of Life, he or she was thrown into the lake of fire.”  The Book of Life, in this context, is the set of names of those who will live with God forever in heaven.  The Book of Life is also mentioned in Philippians (4:3).  The same book is also called the Lamb’s Book of Life because it contains the names of those who have been redeemed by the blood of the Lord Jesus.  And so, on All Souls Day, November 2, and throughout the month we pray for our faithful departed.  The names of those who have died this past year are displayed on the scrolls of paper in front of the church.  We also have a Book of Life in which the names of past deceased and anyone you want to add are written.  If you have written names in previous years you need not write them again.  Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.  May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.  Amen.

Love, Peace, Joy,

Fr. Bob

This is National Vocations Awareness Week, November 7-13.  During this week, please pray for vocations for the Church.  Pray about how God is calling you to live your vocation more deeply.  Encourage the young people in your life, children, grandchildren, students, and friends to be open if God is calling them to priesthood, the deaconate, religious life or any other service ministry in the Church.