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by Rev. Fr. V.V. Paulose, Toronto, Canada
"Our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies." (Corinthians 15:53)
Do we fear death?
We are living in a world of uncertainty of everything but death. Science can
improve the quality of life, and may prolong it, but cannot prevent or stop
death. We all come from God and will go back to Him. So death is merely a matter
of "going home to God." Death is fearful for those who don't have hope in
eternity and resurrection.
St. Paul had revealed a wonderful secret of life that our earthly bodies will
all be transformed into eternal immortal bodies forever. Here we all face
limitations...mental, physical and emotional disabilities. But these are
temporary because in eternity, the blind can see a new way of life, the deaf can
hear God's good news and the lame can walk in God's love. There is no sickness
or death for the immortal body and so, there is hope beyond the grave for those
who have the vision of eternity. All the good that we do in this world will be
considered for this transition.
How do you die? "When Jacob had finished his charge to his sons, he drew his
feet into the bed, breathed his last, and joined his ancestors in death"
(Genesis 49:33). "When Jesus had tasted it, He said, It is finished!" Then he
bowed his head and released his spirit" (John 19:30). 'As they stoned him,
Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." He fell to his knees, shouting,
"Lord, don't stop them with this sin!" And with that, he died.' (Acts 7:59)
Hassan Ali, a Muslim was physically unable to go through his usual way of
praying on his knees, but he regularly followed the whole prayer from his bed.
Before he died, with family and friends crowded around his bed side at the
hospital, the devout Muslim could not keep his eyes off the clock. When the sun
went down after 5 pm on Friday, the 89 year old asked his loved ones to rotate
his bed as far as all electrical cords and IVs would allow, so that he could
face Mecca during his final sunset prayers. This incident really moved me
because of how genuinely pious he really was even in his last moments.
Life after death is not uncertain. To show us the full circle of life and its
meaning, Christ had died, was buried and was resurrected. So, trust him and die
in Him with hope.
We pray for all our brothers and sisters who are
disabled and lack hope in life. May they find hope and encouragement to live.
Please console the bereaved families who have lost loved ones. We pray for all
the departed souls. Let your love of resurrection inspire us to live for you and
die for you. We ask this in the name of Jesus.
Amen.
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