Yesterday, I was also at another funeral. The man died unexpectedly. The family – which is a very closely-knit family - had gatherings and parties – celebrations - two weekends in a row right before he passed away… In fact, I saw a video of him singing and dancing with his lovely wife…. Having a wonderful lovely time. So – his death brought total shock. The family is heart-broken to say the least. My understanding is that Brother Rey – we can say – also died quite unexpectedly – so soon. In the Scriptures, our Lord warned us to stay awake for we do not know when He will be coming for us. I know – and I acknowledge - in my own life - the few times I could have died - came as a surprise to me. In fact, I was in a car accident about two weeks ago.
Death is not something people like to talk about – especially the youth… who look forward to a bright future. That is great but it is also healthy to talk about death in moments like this as a reality check.
It was said: “Not everyone is given the chance to grow old. So, appreciate and thank God for every single day of your life.”
Why do we fear talking about death? I think it is because it reminds us of our own death. And this reminder, far from being a negative experience, has been a great source of conversion of people’s hearts and minds throughout the centuries. There's an old saying, "Remember death." If only we meditated on, prayed about, and accepted the fact of the reality of our own death how different our lives might be! Death can be a great source or motivation for us to "get our act together."
… for us to learn to appreciate the greatness of life, and see things in a whole new perspective… greater and deeper awareness of what really matters in life… relationship with God and with one another…
We need to examine the way we worry and struggle and relate to one another.
We need to examine why are we bearing grudges against one another... Why are we trying so hard to outdo one another, manipulate one another, control one another, even humiliate one another?... Why are we being so judgmental toward one another?
At a family reunion, the discussion turned to the subject of "Living each day as though it were your last." When it was the grandmother's turn to speak, she said, "I think it's a fine idea to live each day as though it were your last.”
She continued: “But I've always tried to live by one idea that is slightly different. It is this: 'Treat all people – especially your family – treat all people you meet each day as though it were their last day.' Wow!
Those people who died suddenly – unexpectedly – if they could speak, they would tell us to live in the now. – meaning that it is indeed all the time we have – there is only today. We have no guarantees beyond this day in which we are living.
Therefore, the things we would do, need to be done today, if at all possible.
The gifts that we would give need to be given today, if at all possible.
The words of appreciation that we would speak, need to be spoken today, if at all possible.
That compassion that we feel - needs to be shown today, if at all possible.
The strained or broken relationships – conflicts among family members and friends – grudges and hatred and contempt - that need to be reconciled, that need to be healed - need to be worked on starting today, if at all possible.
As one first century monk said: “Repent one day before your death.” Since we do not know when that will be, it is therefore wise to repent – to turn our hearts to God - every day.
If you have any bad or unhealthy habits or sinful lifestyle that you need to stop or avoid, well, you know what you need to do today.
Our lives are very fragile, aren’t they? Tomorrow may never come. Life is unpredictable. Our lives are like a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. We have no guarantees beyond this day in which we are living.
My brothers and sisters in Christ, life is too unpredictable and too brief to live it without God at the center of our lives. The truth of the matter is that all of us are just one heartbeat away from eternity.
So - Don’t put off this decision: Decide today to give your life to Jesus… who is the Way, the Truth and the Life…Jesus is the answer to all of life’s questions… Jesus is the key to all of life’s struggles.
He is the Resurrection, Who exchanged His life for yours, and who, in the next life, will greet you -- if you receive Him into your life in this life.
Scripture says: “You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”
In the words of St. Pope John XXIII: “If we are deeply rooted in our faith in Christ, if we live a true Christian life, then any day is a good day to die.…” because our true home is in heaven. Unfortunately, people tend to forget this or ignore this: We are just pilgrims, travelers in this earthly life – just passing through in this life.
If we live in Christ, if we die in Christ, we will rise in Christ.
For a Christian, dying is the most sacred event of life. Our dying is not simply a ‘systems failure’. The medical staff may say’ ‘He didn’t make it’ but – at death - God in fact is making us his own. God hurries towards us like the father who runs toward his prodigal son and catches him up in a loving hug (Luke 15:20). God comes to us at our death as a bridegroom comes for his bride, and guides us through ‘the dark valley’ of death (Psalm 23:4)
At death, as we heard in the Scriptures, Jesus fulfils his promise: ‘I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, you also may be. (John 14:3). (Sacred Space)
Having Jesus in your daily life is not going to cause you to miss out on the fun and good things of life.
Jesus is not a kill joy. The truth is – with Jesus in your life, you will enjoy fullness of life… peace beyond understanding, lasting joy and happiness - if you live your life according to God’s will.
So – build your life, your career, your family – on Christ… Have Jesus as the center of your life… as the center of your family life.
As a spiritual exercise, a suggestion – When you find the time and the courage: Write your own obituary…. choose a date of death…
…Summarize in a few short paragraphs, who you were and what you did before you died…
For example: Brother Rey’s Obituary states (just excerpt):
“… He leaves behind a legacy of loving, cheerful, and cherished memories that will forever remain etched in our hearts…”
“… We remember that bright light that encompassed his being each time he walked into a room…” – beautiful!
So - What do you think people will remember about you or what will people say – especially your family – when they give the Eulogy - when the time comes – which will surely come.
Most importantly – If God is looking at you right now as you see Him – Is He smiling at you or is He shaking His head. And - when you die - what will God say to you?
God bless…
