HOMILY FOR ALL SOULS’ DAY, YEAR C. (2ND NOVEMBER, 2025)

This is your usual programme: 'GOD IS WITH YOU' by your humble servant, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Bartholomew Koroma, CSSp. A member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers, commonly known as Spiritans.
Today, we are celebrating the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, commonly known as All Souls’ Day. It is a solemn feast in the Catholic Church dedicated to praying for all the faithful departed, our brothers and sisters who have died and are believed to be in Purgatory, undergoing purification before entering Heaven. And we believe that the faithful departed share in the resurrection of Christ and live in communion with us.
Our First Reading is coming from the Book of Wisdom 3:1-9. This reading speaks about the destiny of the souls of the just, those who stay loyal and righteous in the eyes of God, despite facing challenges and suffering. The passage opens with the promise that “the souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them.” This powerful statement expresses the deep conviction that those who live according to God’s will are never truly lost, even in death. Though to human eyes the righteous may appear to have been lost or treated unfairly, in reality, they are at peace in God’s presence.
Our Second Reading is from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans 5:5-11. Here, Saint Paul reflects on the depth of God’s love and mercy revealed through Jesus Christ. The passage begins with a message of hope, a hope that “does not disappoint us,” because the love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. This verse highlights the transforming presence of the Spirit, assuring believers that their faith and perseverance in trials are sustained by God’s love working within them.
Our Gospel is from John 6:37-40. In this passage, Jesus conveys a profound message of reassurance and hope, highlighting the Father's will and the promise of everlasting life for all who believe in Him. This passage is part of Jesus’ “Bread of Life” discourse, where He reveals Himself as the one who brings life and salvation to the world. It conveys the heart of the Gospel: God's wish for everyone to be saved, and that all who come to Christ can attain eternal life.
Jesus starts by stating, “Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and I will not reject anyone who comes to me.” These words show God's boundless mercy and Christ's willingness to embrace everyone who approaches Him in faith. No person is beyond His love or forgiveness. It guarantees followers that salvation relies not on human merit but on God's gracious initiative and Jesus’ unfailing acceptance.