Language is important. Faithful Catholics do not “get” the Eucharist – they receive the Eucharist. Catholic marriage ceremonies do not say “take this ring,” our language is the lover saying to the beloved, “receive this ring.” The language of “receive” reflects a disposition that in the Eucharist, in marriage, or indulgences, what is received is gift – unmerited, unearned, not for sale – pure gift. We are called to receive such gifts with open, grateful hearts.

There is a whole lot of theology carried in the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed. It is meant to be more than a day to fondly remember someone close to you who has passed away. It is a day to be in communion with them. Hopefully their particular judgment was Heaven and eternal glory. We love them and know their flaws, so perhaps they are undergoing the purification of the elect – and we can help them on All Souls with prayers and Eucharist celebrated as acts of love because of the merits of Christ.

Image credit: All Souls’ Day | Jakub Schikaneder, 1888 | National Gallery Prague | PD-US

If you would like to see the complete series of posts for All Souls, you can view and download it here.