Is the way you live preparing you well for death? - Daily Reflections November 10,2013

A DEEPER PERSPECTIVE OF DEATH

 

These days of November seem shorter, with evenings starting earlier. They are like reminders for us of the end of our earthly lives — which is death — as the inevitable reality awaiting all of us without exception. Besides, this entire month is dedicated to the memory of (and prayer for) our departed loved ones.

       We have in various cultures many different expressions to confront or to mitigate the realities of death and the afterlife. Our faith likewise does for us the same service, but on a much higher level or from a deeper perspective.

       Our Gospel reading gives us a hint as to the form our earthly bodies will take after undergoing the normal processes of death, decay and decomposition: “They can no longer die, for they are like angels; and they are the children of God because they are the ones who will rise.”

       Indeed, we all eagerly look forward to such a glorious status. In the meantime, of course, we just have to pass through the required transition of death. It’s just like a door one has to pass through to get inside a magnificent banquet hall.

       It is very interesting to note how an entire industry has evolved nowadays regarding funeral observations and arrangements — all to help us cope with the reality of death. Not to mention memorial plans, insurance policies, and the like — all to help us prepare somehow for death.

       But the best preparation for death is the very lives we lead. Yes, our life itself. If we but take care of our life, God will take care of our death. And we need not fear anymore. After all, “he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.” Fr. Martin Macasaet, SDB

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Is the way you live preparing you well for death?

 

Lord Jesus, I pray that when my time comes, You will give me special strength to make the great passage to new life.