November 2nd, 2004, the commemoration of all the faithful departed, all souls.

A reading from the Book of Wisdom.

The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them.

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.

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, he proved

them, and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself. 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.

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.

The word of the Lord.

The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want. The Lord is my shepherd. There is nothing I shall want. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. In verdant pastures he gives me repose.

Beside restful waters he leads me,

he refreshes my soul.

The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want.

He guides me in right paths for his namesake. Even though I walk in the dark valley, I fear no evil for you are at my side,

with your rod and your staff that give me courage.

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