Early Christians and many faith traditions acknowledge the fact that we are mortal beings here on this earth for a short time. Time flies, Remember death (Tempus fugit, Memento mori) is a motto we should recall. While no one likes to discuss such an unpleasant topic, it is one that should be at the forefront of our thoughts and actions.
Anytime we see news stories of those losing their life to some event and hoping for the best outcome, we are left in a state of shock, sadness and grief. Many don’t acknowledge the fact that us mortal beings are destined for something greater, an eternity with a loving Creator.
Practical tips to consider now:
1. Start a prayer life now. How can we recognize the face of God in eternity if we don’t start getting to know our Lord now? John’s gospel reminds us of the following: “I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing”(Jn. 5:5). We must be connected to the vine. While Jesus was fully divine, his humanity knew the importance of prayer before his passion, in his prayer in John’s gospel chapter 17 “When Jesus had said this, he raised his eyes to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Give glory to your son, so that your son may glorify you, just as you gave him authority over all people, so that he may give eternal life to all you gave him” (Jn. 17:1-2).
Death is not a sad affair but a recognition of a change in which we will one day see the beatific vision. The catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us of the following:
The Christian meaning of death is revealed in the light of the Paschal Mystery of the Death and Resurrection of Christ in whom resides our only hope. The Christian who dies in Christ Jesus is ‘away from the body and at home with the Lord’ (2 Cor 5:8).”
– Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1681
2. Make a plan regarding your final wishes for your Christian funeral. We should not have ashes scattered or be placed on someone’s mantle in a home for such an action diminishes the final farewell of the Christian funeral rite for which all baptized Christians are called. Not only make these plans known in a will or trust, but provide copies to loved ones and your church. Here is one such planning guide https://uploads.weconnect.com/mce/872a319ee7a24a0ea855777702e15aae09deb042/CCF%20Catholic%20Funeral%20Planning%20Guide_Fill-in.pdf
“At the death of a Christian, whose life of faith was begun in the waters of Baptism and strengthened at the Eucharistic table, the Church intercedes on behalf of the deceased because of its confident belief that death is not the end, nor does it break the bonds forged in life. The Church also ministers to the sorrowing and consoles them in the funeral rites with the comforting Word of God and the Sacrament of the Eucharist.”
(Order of Christian Funerals, no. 4)
3. Prepare a living will and choose a surrogate to make decisions on your behalf if you can’t make them. Grief and emotion oftentimes leads to conflict when a difficult decision has to be made. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/resource/55418/should-a-catholic-have-a-living-will
4. Prepare your financial matters for your loved ones by updating beneficiary information and a power of attorney. You don’t want your loved ones looking through boxes or filing cabinets for this information, so prepare now. Here is a helpful guide for such matters https://www.ccf-mn.org/estate-plan/
As Matthew’s gospel reminds us, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal” (Mt. 6:19). We can’t take our money or possessions with us. Make sure to include a final tithe to the Church or a charity in your last wishes.
Death is not the end, but only the beginning of our call to be with a loving and merciful God in heaven.
StreetEvangelist 
