We are fast approaching the end of the liturgical year and the readings reflect a concern about the end times, that is, the end of the world. Whether considering the end of the world or the end of a particular human life, many people today prefer not to think about life after death at all.  Some feel that there is enough to worry about in this life.  For others, it is simply more convenient to limit their concerns to this world.  To people like this Jesus addresses today's gospel.  The parable of the wise and foolish virgins makes it quite clear that there are consequences for those who are prepared and for those who are not. 
    Our Christian tradition is very clear about life after death -- there is one!  Today's new wave religiosity suggests that life after death is not important, because somehow individual consciousness will survive in a kind of world-soul.  While this may be an interesting concept, it has nothing to do with the teachings of our Lord.  "Be watchful," he tells us, "you know neither the day nor the hour!"
    For us Christians the month of November is our month of hope.  Our faith transforms the sorrow of death into hope in the resurrection.  The Church reminds us that we remain in communion with those who have died.  On the feast of All Saints we celebrated the Church triumphant, our brothers and sisters who have reached the goal of heaven.  On All Souls Day and throughout this month we especially remember the "holy souls."  Tradition holds that even someone who has died in the state of grace may still require further transforming purgation from our loving God in order to experience the beatific vision.  Those of us who remain in this life can assist these souls in need with our prayers and works of charity.  Let us never forget the people who were important to us in this life and all of the souls in purgatory.  May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

During my homily last week I quoted from Archbishop Timothy Dolan’s blog, The Gospel in the Digital Age, an article entitled, “An Airport Encounter.”  Several folks asked me where they could obtain a copy.  The story can be found at http://blog.archny.org/?p=1127 .  Check out the Archbishop’s blog.  It is very engaging.