Friday, November 2, 2018

Commemoration of All Faithful Departed

The Collect
O God, the Maker and Redeemer of all believers: Grant to the faithful departed the unsearchable benefits of the passion of your Son; that on the day of his appearing they may be manifested as your children; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Psalm
130

The Readings
Wisdom 3:1-9     +     I Corinthians 15:50-58     +     John 5:24-27

When this perishable body puts on immortality, and this mortal body puts on immortality, then the saying that is written will be fulfilled:
     "Death has been swallowed up in victory."
~I Corinthians 15:54

From Lesser Feasts and Fasts:
Beginning in the tenth century, it became customary to set aside another day--as a sort of extension of All Saints--on which the Church remembered that vast body of the faithful who, though no less members of the company of the redeemed, are unknown in the wider fellowship of the Church. It was also a day for particular remembrance of family members and friends.
Though the observance of the day was abolished at the Reformation because of abuses connected with Masses offered for the dead, a renewed understanding of its meaning has led to widespread acceptance of this commemoration among Anglicans, and to its inclusion as an optional observance in the calendar of the Episcopal Church. 



Closing Prayer
Remember thy servants, O Lord, according to the favor which thou bearest unto thy people; and grant that, increasing in knowledge and love of thee, they may go from strength to strength in the life of perfect service in thy heavenly kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
~ BCP, p. 488


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