Sandwiched between the Season of Epiphany, where the liturgy focuses on Jesus’ and our baptismal calling, and the Season of Great Lent, where we prepare with penance for the Resurrection of Our Lord, the three weeks of commemoration, in the Maronite Lectionary, focus on those who have departed this world, after living out their baptismal calling.
The three weeks of commemoration are dedicated to the following:
- First week: Deceased bishops and priests
- Second week: The righteous and just, prophets, apostles, martyrs, and confessors
- Third week: The faithful departed
Anthony J Salim writes, “These commemorations of the departed are to be seen in the context of the Epiphany emphasis on the chrismation or mission of all Christians. Those who have died to this life are on the next stage of their journey to the Kingdom. If they have died faithful to the gospel commandment to love, they will one day be called to the eternal light by Christ, the true hope who never fails.”
The Gospel passages for these commemorative Sundays therefore focus on the final judgement. So, what does each have to teach us?
The first week of Commemoration of the Deceased Priests
In the Maronite Liturgy the celebrant prays for the priests who “celebrated your mysteries” to “receive the reward of the good and faithful servant.” The Gospel passage is that of Luke 12:42-48 where the task is to, “give them their allowance of food at the proper time.”
It is a call to feed, and to provide the daily necessities of life to those in our care.
Ensuring that people receive their fair share means striving for equity and justice, and advocating for fair wages and employment.
It is to be generous and considerate of the needs of others. Those in positions of power must use their authority wisely, working for the common good and ensuring that their influence benefits others.
The second week of Commemoration of the Righteous and Just
This is the equivalent of the Roman Catholic All Saints Day celebrated on 1 November.
In the Maronite Liturgy, the celebrant prays for the righteous and just who are, “like lamps of knowledge and holiness, giving light to those who walk the path of life.” The Gospel passage is the Final Judgement (Matt 25:31-46).
“You didn’t care,” strikes at the heart of the Sunday Gospel. It pricks our conscience and drags us out of our self-infatuation, demanding we rethink our attitudes.
Our experiences cannot be restricted to what serves our immediate interests alone. We are only truly human and only a real community, when we look out for each other.
The third week of Commemoration of the Faithful Departed
This is the equivalent of the Roman Catholic All Souls Day celebrated on 2 November.
In the Maronite Liturgy, the celebrant prays for those, “who were clothed in you at baptism and received your Body and Blood as blessed food on the path to eternity.” The Gospel passage is that of the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Lk 16:19-31).
How we live on earth matters to us, to others, and to God. It mattered to the rich man that he dressed well and feasted sumptuously every day.
What matters to us in this life determines our attitude to others and towards God. Then we have Lazarus who lived in great poverty and suffering.
All that mattered to him was to satisfy his hunger but was unable to do so. It is a tragic circumstance that can only be overcome when we turn our attention to the needs of others.
Finally, we have Abraham representing God in this parable. What mattered, and continues to matter in the Kingdom of God, is that people’s suffering is alleviated, and that selfishness is eliminated.
The three weeks given to the commemoration of those baptised and have gone to their rest, urge us to live our lives focused on the needs of those less fortunate.
We have a responsibility as baptised children of God, to serve those who need care and love. In living this life with love for our neighbour, we will live eternally with God.
Dr Margaret Ghosn mshf is a Maronite Sister of the Holy Family and Principal at St Maroun’s College in Marrickville, Sydney.
