Introduction
This Rosary reflection contains verses of consolation and hope for those who have died from the Book of Wisdom, in the Old Testament of the Bible.
The Scripture Account
The belief of the Jewish author is that God’s care and love sustain God’s faithful during life and after death. This reading is often said at Masses of funeral liturgies and the Feast of All Souls on November 2nd.
The Commemoration of All Souls Reflection contains the text found in Wisdom 3:1-9.
The Five Decades
When you pray the five decades of this Rosary Reflection, use these five moments from the Scripture passage. Read the verses for each decade and let the words sink in as you pray that decade.
First Decade: In the Hand of God (Wisdom 3:1)
The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them.
Second Decade: They are in Peace (Wisdom 3:2-3)
They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace.
Third Decade: Hope Full of Immortalitiy (Wisdom 3:4-6)
For if before men, indeed, they be punished, yet is their hope full of immortality; chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed, because God tried them and found them worthy of himself. As gold in the furnace, hr proved them, and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself.
Fourth Decade: God is their Forever King (Wisdom 3:7-8)
In the time of their visitation they shall shine, and shall dart about as sparks through stubble; they shall judge nations and rule over peoples, and the Lord shall be their King forever.
Fifth Decade: God’s Grace, Mercy and Care (Wisdom 3:9)
Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with him in love: because grace and mercy are with his holy ones, and his care is with his elect
What to Remember
These Scripture verses reflect consoling imagery of life after death, bringing hope to the human sorrow of losing a loved one through death. These images include being greatly blessed, found worthy of God, shining, judging nations, ruling over people, abiding with God in love, and God will be their king forever. Consolation for those grieving.
As a follower of Jesus, and a child of God, you have the privilege of experiencing God’s care and grace for you, your loved ones, and other people. Mary is already home, abiding with God forever, and her prayers are with you always. Just ask.
What to Pray FOr
- For the grace to celebrate the elect of God who are with God in eternity.
- For a deeper hope that God’s care will be with you and your loved ones in each moment of life.
- For those who despair the death of their loved ones, that the love of Holy Spirit will touch them through you.
- For all people to experience God’s grace and mercy to abide in God’s love.
Feel free to pray the rosary using these Scripture verses for a deeper hope of God’s loving grace,
When This Scripture Appears
This Scripture passage is often proclaimed as the first reading at the liturgy of All Soul’s Day (November 2nd every year.) The passage is often read at funeral masses, too.
* Scripture passages are from the United Conference of Catholic Bishops website, https://usccb.org/bible
