All Saints, All Souls, and the 24th Sunday after Pentecost

This year the 24th Sunday after Pentecost arrives directly after the glorious feast of All Saints and the more restrained commemoration of the Holy Souls on All Souls Day. So Sunday becomes the third solemn observance in a row - a string of holy days to bolster our spiritual life.

But has it been bolstered? Or have we slept through this concentrated dose of grace-filled days?

Our attendance at Mass indicates most of us slept. 

Perhaps our perception has been unduly shaped by the past. Those of us who grew up at the tail end of the glorious string of centuries when Holy Mother Church offered us the traditional liturgical observances and practices remember - even if hazily - the packed churches that marked All Saints and All Souls. People knew these feasts, understood their importance, and followed the command to attend Mass on Holy Days of Obligation (All Saints) as well as the grace-filled opportunity to gather to honor the Holy Souls at Mass (All Souls). 

These days, it seems Halloween - the most secular versions of this once blessed Vigil of All Saints - garners all the attention. 

But so be it. We were born in a time and place according to God's Will. And if He deemed it fit that we of a certain age knew both the traditional liturgy, experienced (and for may suffered through) the radical shift to the new-fangled, then, again so be it. His Will be done!

Such thoughts greeted this Sunday after All Saints and All Souls.

But lest we become caught up in the jarring and somewhat disturbing events that have characterized these years since Vatican II "opened the windows" of our Holy Church, let's not lose sight of the fact that these holy days remain just that - holy. And that Sunday remains the Lord's Day.

Not mater how these are observed by others - whether our family, friends, or our purported "shepherds" (so many of whom have been swept up into the newfangled "Spirit of Vatican II" in varying degrees), we mere creatures of our Blessed Lord must remain steadfast in our observance of all things holy. 

And not merely because we do so out of obligation. We do that, of course. But more importantly, we do so out of love - our love for our Father, His Son, and Their Holy Spirit. Our devotion to God is not simply a matter of obedience, or rote observation of designated days on the calendar of the Liturgical Year. Our devotion stands or falls on love.

To help us understand the depths of our love - perhaps as a gauge of how deep our love fills our devotions - some words from our friend, Father Willie to help us here.

 (You can find the source HERE.)

 

“Behold I stand at the gate and knock” (Rev. 3. 20)

Jesus stands at the door of my heart, patiently, uncomplainingly. How long has He been there? A year? Ten years? I have been afraid to let Him in.

Jesus knocks: “Open to Me, My Beloved.” My heart has been closed fast in spite of His calls, His inspirations, the appeals of His grace. How long? I have heard Him knocking, I have pretended I did not, I have longed He would go away. My God, how I must have pained You; but do not go away, wait a little longer.

I look out timidly to see who is calling. Why should I be afraid to let Him in? He has come to me, I have not sought Him. What love He must have for me! Jesus, why am I afraid of You, afraid to let You come into my heart?

Happy Sunday!