Joseph Lewis D’Silva
God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (soul), and the man became a living being (Gen. 2:7).
The soul never dies (Jn. 11:25). Human soul, though originally pure, becomes impure after it plays various roles on this planet, with God given free will. Thus, it gets tarnished with physical desires and vices such as lust, anger, greed and pride.
According to the Catholic belief, the soul of a person who dies can go to one of the three places: First is Heaven, where a person who dies in a state of perfect grace (Mt.7:13). Second is Hell, where those who die in a state of mortal sin are condemned to Hell (Mt. 7:13 & Lk, 13:24). The midway between Heaven and Hell is Purgatory, which is where people free of mortal sin, but still in a state of lesser sin go there, as they still need purification before entering Heaven.
On November 2, the Church and parishioners pray in the Holy Eucharist for purification of the deceased, still suffering in Purgatory; who can be helped by people on earth, to do their purification with prayer, alms, fasting, sacrifices and Requiem Masses so, that they may soon go to Heaven.
Many villagers believe that the spirits of the dead visit our Earth on ‘All Souls Day’. So, they serve food outside their home for ‘Almas do outro Mundo’ (souls of the other world). Perhaps, this ritual is observed because many are certain that souls appreciate the conscious awareness of their presence and enjoy the gratitude and emotions shown to them by people with their prayers in the cemetery, food at home.
In Rev. 12:7-9, describe that the Satan Lucifer and his angels are cast down to the Earth, some people interpret them as ghosts, evil spirits, staying in haunted houses and even living on trees to influence human beings with disruptive purposes.
This popular belief, over the years, is evident from the custom of ending wedding celebrations with “Xim” (a village boundary line) where liquor is poured to please the “Apxi” (the bad spirit). But, just because it has been continuously believed does not mean, it is scientifically valid. It is brain bug (brain’s mistaken belief) at play to act in a most selective way.
There are some people who are certain that living persons can communicate with the dead. This idea of communicating with the dead is called ‘Channelling’.
The person possessed by the spirit/ghost occupies the physical human being’s mind and becomes the mouthpiece and answers questions posed to him. It is also called black-magic or witchcraft. And the payment for summoning the spirit is a ritual of sacrificial offering; which may involve the flesh of a human being or animal. In the Bible, King Saul consults the Witch of Endor in 1 Sam. 28, to summon the spirit of the deceased prophet Samuel.
The Bible describes man possessed by evil spirits in Mk. 5: 1-20. The Bible discourages attempts to communicate with the dead, in Deut. 18:10-12; practices such as black magic and consulting the dead are condemned. Is. 8:19 also advises against seeking guidance from the dead.
Psychic researchers believe that channelling is a self-created experience. It is a person's own inner subconscious speaking, not some outside entity or spirit.
All Souls’ Day is a reflection on the nature of the soul and the importance of prayers. This day respects those who have died; and reminds us about our own spiritual journey.