IMAGE IS FROM UNSPLASH BY Fey Marin
As sojourners in this world which pass by, it will be rewarding if we can always meditate on the four last things; Death, Judgement, Heaven, or Hell.
I will spread the meditation into four different posts with each post focussing only on a particular topic.
WHY DO WE NEED TO MEDITATE ON DEATH?
Meditating on Death, and understanding that we will leave this world one day will help us change the way we live.
Another point worth noting is that death might be certain but the hour of death is unknown. Since this is the case, it becomes something worth doing, to prepare each day, as if it will be the last.
Death is inevitable. The poor and rich die at the allotted time. They are buried with the same six feet measurement, using the small confine size. The quality might vary but every other thing is equal.
What then is the need of living a life that is attached so much to this world that passes by?
Of what benefit will it be, to gain everything in the world and lose that which is eternal?.
This should not make us scared of death, for those who die in the Lord, do not die but ascend to a greater place where there is everlasting joy.
We should only be scared of dying in sin. This should then encourage us to reconcile with God and our neighbors as soon as possible whenever we offend Him/them.
It is worth noting that upon death, you cannot grow in virtue again. You are only leaving this world with the things you have done while alive. Also, whatever you want to do for your friend, family member, or the likes, do it while they are still alive. Organizing expensive burials for them won't be of any help to them.
Saint Paul in 2 Timothy says
For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near.
Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
If we can work towards living a holy life while on earth, then we won't have any fear on our deathbed. We will be proud of our life like Saint Paul.
Indeed, it is not easy to live a holy life but with prayer and hard work, we should be able to overcome all temptation. God has also promised to be with us. We just need to call on Him, when the burden of life seems to be much on us.
Finally, we should always remember to pray to God for the gift of a good death, Nevertheless, we should not forget the fact that God will never do for us what we can do for ourselves. The death of Christ has conquered death for us, we should not fear death, but see it as a way to something greater than what we presently have.