Life and Death

Death is such a frightening event. We all know that we will pass through its arms one day. Death is frightening because we fear the unknown. We fear the loss of our loved ones from a different perspective. Death seems so final and abrupt. What lies on the other side? What is the afterlife like? Is there an afterlife? Even the most faithful of us, if honest with ourselves, ponders these questions from time to time. Both life and death are shrouded in mystery. The human mind struggles to grasp the reality of both these events.

Science explains much of what causes life or death, but it cannot explain why we experience them. Science cannot answer the questions regarding who put life in motion, nor can it answer where we go when life has ended. That is why we live by faith. Faith tells us that God, who is begotten before all time, set life into a perpetual cycle for God’s reasons. Faith tells us that by his death Christ conquered death, thus forgiving us of our sins once and for all, and bringing about eternal life for all who believe in him. As Christians we cling to faith, with all the hope we can muster when death darkens our doorstep.

The Apostle Paul tells us not to fear death. He tells us that life is simply changed, not smothered away. He gives us hope, as does Christ himself. From the cross Jesus told one of the thieves beside him to fear not, today he (Jesus) would greet him in paradise.

As Christians, we are a people of hope. We are children of the Resurrection. While we may find ourselves at times full of doubt and asking the difficult questions regarding death, in our hearts we know that Jesus has gone before us to prepare a place for each of us. We are his sheep and as our Great Shepherd he will always care for us, even in death. Jesus tells us that he will not allow even one of his sheep to stray away and become lost.

This is good news! Whatever life looks like after death we know that we will be in the presence of God and his light. We know that in Christ we have a Savior who deeply cares for us. He already proved this by laying down his own life for each one of us.  So embrace the holy mystery and go on living life to its fullest. Celebrate each day and know that one day we will be at an eternal feast in which we are told there will be no more sorrow, pain or suffering, and every tear shall be wiped away.