We just concluded our procession to the cemetery to pray for our deceased monks, family, friends, and benefactors. Now we offer on their behalf the expiatory sacrifice of the Most Holy Eucharist. This is a very excellent and noble thing to do. It is similar to what we heard in today’s first reading: “Judas made atonement for the dead that they might be absolved from their sin.” The Scriptures justify his actions by adding, “…inasmuch as (Judas) had the resurrection in mind; for if he were not expecting the fallen to rise again, it would have been superfluous and foolish to pray for the dead.”
In our world today there are many who do not believe in the resurrection of the dead. Some would call us fools for thinking we can do anything to help the dead. They are incredulous at the simplicity of our faith that believes what the Church has handed down: that God raises the dead and hears our prayers on their behalf, which is precisely what we are doing today. They are like the Athenians in St. Paul’s day when, at his mention of the resurrection of Jesus, they scoffed and said, “We should like to hear you on this some other time.”
But we hold fast to our message: Death is not the final word. Those who belong to Christ, even if they need further purification after death, the Father will raise up with Jesus. We believe this, and we can help by our prayers. Our faith in the resurrection from the dead is the cause of our hope. We belong to Christ, and he will give us his own life which is indestructible and eternal. May our brothers, families, friends and benefactors who have died enjoy this life with us. We are truly doing a noble and excellent thing today.
