Saturday (Commemoration of the Departed) (1 Thess. 4:13–17; Jn. 5:24–30)

The holy Church today turns our attention beyond the boundaries of this present life, to our fathers and brothers who have departed from here, hoping that by reminding us of their condition—which none of us can avoid—she may dispose us toward the proper keeping of Cheesefare Week and the Great Lent that follows. Let us listen to our mother the Church, and while commemorating our fathers and brothers, let us take care to prepare ourselves for the passage to the other world. Let us call to mind our sins and weep over them, resolving henceforth to keep ourselves clean from every defilement. For nothing unclean will enter the Kingdom of God, and at the judgment no one who is unclean will be justified. After death, expect no cleansing. As you cross over, so you will remain. Here you must prepare your cleansing. Let us hasten—for who can promise himself long life? Life can be cut short at any moment. How would we appear before the other world while still unclean? With what eyes shall we look upon our fathers and brothers who will come to meet us? What shall we answer to their questions: “What is this wrong thing you have with you? And what is that? And this?” What shame and disgrace will cover us! Let us hasten, then, to set right everything that is not right, so that we may appear in the other world at least somewhat acceptable and passable.