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If we have died with Christ, we shall also live with him.
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We all like to be rewarded for the good we do. In this reading, we hear about the final reward for God's people. The prophet Daniel has a vision of a future time at which God will separate those who have served him from those who have chosen evil. The holiness of the wise will shine like the sun. And everyone who has led others to act justly will be like a star that shines forever.
Today we celebrate All Souls Day in remembrance of all who have died believing in Jesus. We remember especially members of our own families and friends who have died. We pray that they will share in Christ's resurrection.
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Who are the members of your extended family who have died? What are some of your fondest, funniest, or most interesting memories of them? In what ways do you think these family members shared their faith or helped others? How do they remain a part of your family's life?
Who are the wise people who have taught you to be a more just person? How have you helped others to make wise choices or to act justly?
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Some people see death as the end of life. Christians see death as the beginning of eternal life with God. Saint Paul reminds the Romans and us that we have died and been raised to new life with Christ through our Baptism. We are no longer ruled by sin or death because Jesus died on the cross for us and rose from the dead. Our faith assures us that we will one day be united with him in the resurrection.
On All Souls Day we pray also for ourselves that we may live out our Baptism by being faithful to Jesus in our daily lives.
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The death of someone we love is one of the hardest things we ever have to face. We miss the person's physical presence and all the activities we shared. How do you think our faith in the resurrection of the dead makes a difference when we lose a family member or friend? In what ways can we honor the memory of someone who has died? How can we honor those who have died alone and forgotten?
What are some of the ways we show in our daily lives that we have died to sin? Who or what helps us to grow closer to Jesus? What words in this reading do you find most encouraging?
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When Jesus revealed that he was the Bread of Life, he taught the crowd that whoever believed in him would never hunger or thirst. Then he assured them that every person the Father had entrusted to him would be raised up on the last day. They would never be separated from him.
Like a loving parent, Jesus wants us to know that he will never reject us or leave us. He does the will of the Father which is that everyone who believes in the Son will live with him forever.
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Who are the people in your life who have brought you to Jesus and helped you to believe in him? How do these people encourage you to be faithful to him? Imagine that you are in the crowd Jesus is speaking to in this gospel. What might you want to ask him or tell him?
How does your parish serve those who are in mourning for a loved one? How might you use something you have learned from this reading to be of comfort to someone in mourning? When and how will you do so?
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| Proclaiming Faith Activity |
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Living the Sunday and Holy Day Readings
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Make a list of the names of any extended family members, friends, or parishioners you know who have died.
For each name on your list, write on an index card a brief note beginning:
Dear __________________, I remember you because __________________________________.
Use your best handwriting and sign the note.
Plan a simple shrine to honor and remember these special people. Make a list of items that you could add to your notes, such as: photographs, symbols of activities those who have died enjoyed doing, any available personal items like Grandpa's baseball cap or Grandma's gardening gloves.
Make a sketch of the shrine you will assemble at home. Invite your family to help out and to pray at the shrine this week.
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Those who lead others to justice shine like the stars forever. Sketch three large stars. Ask yourself: Who are the people who lead others to justice for the persecuted, for the poor, for those deprived of their rights, and for the earth itself?
In each star, write the name of one of these justice guides you want to honor. Give one reason why you have chosen this person.
Under these three, sketch a smaller star. Write your own name in it and tell one way you hope to lead others to justice in the future. |
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