An Elderly reflection on All Saints Day and all Souls Day

Any day that is celebrated daily, monthly or annually becomes stale and routine if the reason for doing the activity is not from the heart.

So with November 1 (All Saints Day) and November 2 (All Souls Day), it can become mere memorial. Yet, for us elderly and senior citizens of this world, these are two days of the year that must play vital roles in our lives. For one, the chronological age of an elderly and senior citizen is reason enough to take these two days major turning points of life's crossroads.

Saints become saints because as persons they lived life to the fullest, committed the good and the bad but fortunately chose more the good than evil. It is not that the saints were so good they did not commit sins. Rather they were ordinary in everything but through constant reflection and retreats, decided to make God their center and focal point of their decision-making. They are saints for us to emulate and consider as role models when there is not enough to expect.

Souls refer to persons who died and are now awaiting Last Judgment - like us. We pray for our beloved dead because we believe through prayers their suffering may be lessened and their way to God's Kingdom may be paved. Seen in the light of faith, this is acceptable so only believers can see in these two days opportunities to pray to the saints for wisdom and enlightenment as they asked from God the same. Furthermore we pray for the souls of all persons who need it because prayer is the only means to communicate with God who forgives all our sins. 

From an Elderly's point of view therefore, All Saints Day and All Souls Day put front and center the reality of death as a beginning not an end. When this point of no return happens to each of us, it is time to let go. Faith is a gift we can choose here and now. Choose Life, not death.