Reflections on Scripture | The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls)

Join Msgr. Don Fischer as he reads and delivers a short reflection on today’s gospel, followed by 3 1/2 minutes of contemplative music and a closing prayer. Msgr. Don hopes that today’s reflection on the gospel will empower you to carry the Word in your heart throughout the day.

Choose either the video or audio below.

Gospel
John 6:37-40

Jesus said to the crowds:
“Everything that the Father gives me will come to me,
and I will not reject anyone who comes to me,
because I came down from heaven not to do my own will
but the will of the one who sent me.
And this is the will of the one who sent me,
that I should not lose anything of what he gave me,
but that I should raise it on the last day.
For this is the will of my Father,
that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him
may have eternal life,
and I shall raise him on the last day.”

Reflection
This passage flies in the face of all the ways in which we might believe or think that salvation is something that we accomplish, that we earn by doing something. God has chosen to save everyone who turns to him and believes in him. It's not something that we need to worry about. Whether or not we are good enough. It's not about performance.

It's about a presence that is connected to God, believing in everything he teaches. But most especially that we will be with him one day, forever in heaven.

Closing Prayer
Heavenly father, so often I hear people worried about whether or not they're good enough to make it to heaven, whether they've earned your love or earned your respect. But the real question is not whether or not we are good enough to receive this place of greatness with God, but the question is whether or not God can do what he promises, that he can save us. No matter how far we've drifted from him, he is the source of salvation. And we ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Kyle Cross