Lost Souls

Today is All Souls Day.  Our first reading talks of souls. 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, 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. (Wisdom 3:1-9)

Those who trust in him shall understand truth.  Do we?  Do we trust in God and understand the truth?  

Because the souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them, what happens to the souls of the unjust including liars and tormentors such as bullies and abusers?  Does torment touch them? 

Is there torment after death or do we all rest with God?  I admit I'd prefer at least a short visit to furnace fires might be justified for liars and con men.  Those who call lies the truth need conversion therapy along the road to perdition.  Am I being unkind and cruel? Let's just say a few days before the election I'm on edge.

Deacon David Pierce