In the recent Catholic Weekly Eyes of the Believer column a former journalist meditates on Death and New Life.
The year passed quickly and here it is now November. As we approach the end of the year, the cold wind blows and the chilly temperature forces us to add more clothes. The red leaves of autumn are all around us.
花無十日紅 —No red flower remains red for over ten days— Why do these words of the wise come to his mind at this time?
As seen in the change of seasons, the changes in nature are natural and orderly. So, in a small way, we look back on the past year, and in the long term, the ups and downs of the life we have lived.
Last week, he heard about the death of an elementary school classmate. When he was young, he lived without any economic problems but bone marrow cancer struck him ten years ago. He recovered somewhat with the primary bone marrow transplantation, but his long battle with the disease slowly destroyed his body, and he died at the age of 60. His death may have been expected. Thomas, who died last August, was a sudden death. He had no chronic disease, but collapsed from a cerebral infarction. He misses his welcoming voice and bright smile, which burned with a sense of justice.
Watching the death of friends and acquaintances, he reflects on the disposition of God, the Lord of life.
"You fool! This very night your life shall be required of you. To whom will all this piled-up wealth of yours go?"(Luke 12:20) Have we not like the 'foolish rich man' coveted only large storehouses to store grain and riches? Wasn't he more stingy than rich before God? Have you been living practicing His life-giving words and commandments?
The first day of November is celebrated as
the "Feast of All Saints". Christians believe in the "communion of saints" and try to follow the example of the saints who
glorify God. That is, we congratulate the heavenly saints for
their glory and ask them to intercede for us, who are still pilgrims in
this world. It also remindes believers that we are to live a new
life after death.
In the liturgical calendar of the Church, the second day of November we remember all the dead (All soul's day), a day to pray sincerely for the souls in purgatory so that they may enter the kingdom of God as soon as possible. In particular, the church dedicates the whole month of November to the souls in purgatory. The Church teaches that we must keep those who have died in our thoughts, prayers, good deeds and sacrifices.
There are three maxims to remind us to prepare for death. A short phrase written in two Latin words, familiar to everyone's ears. These are memento mori, carpe diem, and amor fati. The first means to remember that every human being must die; secondly, to live fully in the present; and thirdly to love one's own destiny. [This third phrase may need a Christian interpretation since it has been used in many ways. In Romans 8:28 St.Paul says: "We know that God makes all things work together for the good of those who have been called according to his decree"].
How about reading the three aphorisms aloud every day or writing them down in a notebook? May it be your motto to always be humble, to focus on the here and now, to enjoy, and accept our destiny.
It is an unchanging truth that we will all die. Wouldn't it be like a black hole if the one-time life on earth ends with the grave? If so, life would be a great tragedy. But we have a strong bond of hope in the resurrection. The hope that even death will not prevent us from enjoying eternal life in the kingdom of God.
life is changed not ended,
and, when this earthly dwelling turns to dust,
an eternal dwelling is made ready for them in heaven."
(Preface for All Souls Day)
