💖 HOMILY - NOVEMBER 2 💖

ALL SOULS DAY

First Reading - Job 19:1,23-27

Second Reading - 1 Corinthians 15:51-57 

Gospel - John 5:24-29

James Sherily wrote the poem "Death the leveller" throwing light on the reality of fleeting life here on earth. All souls day, just after the celebration of all saints day, remind us that we have a destiny and let us see the grim fact of life that we are not permanent here. The readings today give us a powerful reminder of our hope in eternal life and the resurrection—a hope that can sustain us through even the darkest of times.

In the first reading, we hear the deeply moving words of Job. Job is a man who has lost everything: his family, his wealth, his health. Yet, even in his suffering, he utters words of profound faith: "I know that my Redeemer lives." Job’s declaration of trust in God’s ultimate justice and mercy gives us a glimpse of his unbreakable hope, even when all seems lost. Job believes that one day he will see God, even if he must wait until the end of time. His hope in a Redeemer, in life beyond suffering and death, stands as a testament to his faith.

Paul’s words in the second reading from 1 Corinthians echo this hope, but with a new promise revealed through Christ: “We will not all die, but we will all be changed.” Paul assures the Christian community that death has been swallowed up in victory through Jesus. Christ’s resurrection has turned death from a dead-end into a doorway. For Paul, death no longer has a sting, and the grave has lost its victory because Jesus has triumphed over them both. This message reassures us that our final destiny lies not in death but in new life with Christ.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus deepens this hope by offering us an extraordinary promise: “Whoever hears my word and believes…has eternal life and will not come under judgment.” Jesus goes on to describe a time when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and rise. This is a powerful reminder that our life does not end with death but continues in the presence of God. For those who have placed their trust in Jesus, eternal life is not just a future hope; it begins now, as we live in relationship with Him. Jesus has promised us life with Him, a life that begins here on earth and continues into eternity.

Dear friends, today’s readings encourage us to live with hope. Like Job, we may go through seasons of suffering and loss, moments when God seems far away, or when we struggle to understand our circumstances. Yet, even then, we are invited to place our trust in a Redeemer who loves us and will never abandon us. Paul assures us that Christ has already won the victory over death, and Jesus promises that those who believe in Him have already passed from death into life.

As Christians, we are called to live in the light of this hope, even when life challenges us. Let us ask for the grace to see beyond the trials of this life to the eternal life that awaits us. And may we always remember Jesus’ words: “Do not be afraid.” In Him, we have hope, and in Him, we have life eternal.