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Today’s Daily Gospel Reflection
November 2, 2024
Gospel
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.”
I love road trips. For me, vacation starts the moment the wheels are rolling. Vivid childhood memories transport me back to the old maroon station wagon, cruising down the interstate with my parents and little brother. Along the way, we’d always sing just to pass the time. There were no screens to keep kids busy back in the 70’s!
One favorite was a campy, call-and-response tune, “Oh, you can’t get to heaven.” We rotated leading improvised, rhyming verses like, “Oh you can’t get to heaven on roller skates ‘cause you’ll roll right by those pearly gates!” Eventually, when every idea was exhausted, someone would intone the coda, “If you get to heaven before I do, just dig a little hole and pull me through!”
Assuredly, we weren’t thinking about theology, but in a simple way, the song reflected our Catholic faith. Each of us, including my ten-year-old self and my five-year-old brother, pretty much expected we were headed for that heavenly community.
Ten-year-old me couldn’t have envisioned the future. She couldn’t have understood how her three traveling companions could be born into eternal life ahead of her! And while each transition would be heartbreaking, no excavation of “a little hole” would be necessary because, in many ways, my parents and brother are as near to me and my heart as they were in that family station wagon.
Although the church sets aside one day to pray for and with the souls of our beloved dead, they are always near. Our faith teaches us that we travel together.
In the Apostles Creed, we profess our belief in the communion of saints, the “great cloud of witnesses.” (Hebrews 12:1) Our souls are members of that communion, along with the billions of believers who came before us, each trusting that we are destined for a real life, as Jesus says in today’s gospel, for eternal life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we ask that you gather to yourself all who believe. On this All Soul’s Day, we find consolation in your promise of love for your people. Hold close to your heart those who mourn the loss of a parent, friend, child, or family member. Increase our faith in your gift of eternal life. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Pray with Today’s Saint
EverydayHoliness
A PODCAST BY FAITH ND
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Sit courtside with Nan Tulchinsky, a longtime scorekeeper for Notre Dame Women’s and Men’s Basketball, as she shares stories of her remarkable life of dedication to her family, local community, and Catholic faith.
We begin a new season with Bishop Bob Lombardo, CFR, Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago, as he shares his path towards religious life and priesthood, co-founding a new expression of Franciscan life, and the unexpected calling of a new ministry.
We complete this season by speaking with Veronica Alonzo, Associate Superintendent for the Dallas Catholic Schools, about discovering meaning in personal loss, her vocation as an educator, and perspectives on Catholic education.
Walk the streets of Boston with Dr. Jim O’Connell as he describes his long path to a medical career and the surprising, longstanding vocation of serving others through the Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Program.
Lisa Orchen details her calling to ministry in the Church and how that has changed over the years as the demands of life have shifted, always requiring continual discernment of God’s will.
Explore the themes of motherhood with Jessica Mannen Kimmet, a musician and author, who has written a book with the intention of helping mothers who are experiencing similar crosses to ones she has carried.
Journey with Fr. Bill Lies, CSC, Provincial Superior of the U.S. Province of Priests and Brothers for the Congregation of Holy Cross, as he offers stories of his family, vocational call, and perspective from various leadership positions.
Meet Molly and Jeremy Aranda, a married couple who describe the many ups and downs of life, including challenging pregnancies, financial strain, and sickness, all while striving to remain faithful to God’s calling in their lives.
Patrick Garry, author of The Power of Gratitude, shares the stories and the lifelong lessons of his parents, Michael and Elizabeth Garry, whose lives were marked by sacrifice for others and giving thanks in all circumstances.
We conclude this season with Lisa Hendey, founder of Catholicmom.com, as she describes her spiritual journey, which has included being a wife and mother, a Catholic writer and content producer, and recently, someone bearing the cross of breast cancer.
Alex Jones, co-founder and CEO of Hallow, shares the inspiring story of the struggle and growth of his spiritual life, eventually leading to the creation of one of the most well-utilized Catholic apps in the world today.
Hear the perspective of Meghann Kirzeder, a wife, mother, and musician, whose life has taken some unexpected turns as she cares for her beautiful children, including three with significant special needs.
Grab a sideline view with Fr. Nate Wills, CSC, as he provides a glimpse into his life as a religious priest, a Catholic educator and researcher, and the chaplain to the Notre Dame Football team.
Reflect back on 25 years of marriage with Josh and Stacey Noem, two Notre Dame graduates who have lived their vows through children, career changes, and the daily decisions that constitute a life of love together.
Journey with Sr. Gregory Healy, OSB, a Benedictine nun who has discovered God’s calling in life through the beauty of music, the wonder of creation, and the holy example of others.
Cardinal Patrick D’Rozario, CSC begins season 9 as he tells us about his life as a religious priest, bishop, and cardinal. He also shares details of the holy life of Servant of God Theotonius Ganguly, CSC, who could be the first Notre Dame graduate canonized a Catholic saint.
For our final episode this season, we listen to Sister Michaela Martinez, OP, as she reflects on her call to religious life, God’s fidelity to her, and how she finds joy in all things.
Hear the stories of Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers ’88, a well-known Catholic speaker, author, and evangelist, who offers his perspective on discernment, forgiveness, prayer, and trusting in God’s plan.
Dr. John Cavadini shares some of the hidden aspects of his vocation as a husband, father, and teacher, encouraging us to seek holiness in the ordinary, seemingly unremarkable moments of our lives.
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We listen this week to the heartfelt and moving stories of Natalie and Joe LaHood, as they describe their love for God and each other, finding joy in the midst of suffering, and a willingness to open their home and hearts to children with special needs.
We talk this week with Fr. Jim Bracke, CSC, Notre Dame Staff Chaplain, and he reflects on his more than 40 years in priestly ministry, his ongoing call to follow Christ in all things, and his outlook on life as he makes a significant transition towards retirement.
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