Isaiah 25:6-9 / Romans 5:5-11 / John 6:37-40
When we talk about a possibility, we are talking about chances, likelihood, probability, prospect.
When we talk about reality, we are talking about the state of things as they actually exist, something factual and there is almost no question about it.
So between possibility and reality, there is much of a difference, and yet there is some kind of connection.
Yesterday, we celebrated the feast of All Saints. That feast points us to the reality of heaven, that there are people there, and that it is possible for us to be there too if we live a life of holiness and are worthy in the eyes of God.
So heaven is our hope, it is our possibility as well as our reality.
Today we remember our departed loved ones and all those who have gone before us, and who are termed as "All Souls".
For them, they have faced the reality of death and they journey on towards the life of heaven. For these "Souls", heaven is not just a possibility but a reality.
But for this possibility to turn into reality, these "Souls" need our prayers to help them enter into heaven. In other words, these "Souls" are waiting to be "Saints" and they look to us, and even cry out to us for this spiritual help.
All Souls Day reminds us that it is our spiritual duty to help these "Souls" with prayers and Mass offerings.
We must remember these "Souls" because when they become "Saints" in heaven, they will remember us.
That is not just a possibility; it is a reality. It is their hope. It is also our hope.