Pope Benedict XVI’s Homily at Mass for the souls of deceased Cardinals and Bishops in the Current Year

(November 05, 2009) “The solemnity of Saints followed by the commemoration of All Souls are the two celebrations lived in a climate of deep faith and prayer, helping us to perceive better the mystery of the Church in its totality and to understand more and more that life has to be a constant watchful waiting, a pilgrimage to eternal life, ultimate fulfilment that gives meaning and fulfilment to our earthly journey,” said Pope Benedict XVI. The Holy Father said this in his homily at the Holy Mass celebrated in the Vatican, for the seven Deceased Cardinals and several Archbishops and Bishops during the current year. He added that “We remember them with affection and give thanks to God for the good they have accomplished.” Referring to the Gospel of the day, the Pope said that in these our venerable brothers we recognize the servants mentioned in the Gospel parable: blessed are the faithful servants whom the master finds awake and ready when he comes, returning from the wedding feast so that they open to him when he knocks. These men were the pastors who have served the flock of Christ in the Church, giving them necessary care, and becoming the witnesses of the Gospel. Similarly we too are called to remain alert and vigilant and then, as the servants of the Gospel. While the first reading said the Pope speaks of the transformation into a life of peace, St. Peter exhorts us, that during our earthly pilgrimage we must keep our hearts alive with the prospect of hope, a "living hope". Faith sustains us in these moments of sadness and takes us away from despair into a new life. “In this spirit,” said the Pontiff, “That we want to entrust to the Divine Mercy these Cardinals, Archbishops and Bishops, with whom we have worked together in the vineyard of the Lord. Finally released from what remains in their human frailty may Jesus welcome them to the heavenly Father and grant them the reward promised to good and faithful servants of the Gospel.”