On death and dying!

Luke 21:34-36

34 “Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware, 35 like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. 36 Stay awake, praying at all times for the strength to survive all that is going to happen, and to stand with confidence before the Son of Man.

Food for thought!

"Don’t let that day catch you unaware, like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth." 

Jesus has taught us many things. Many things about life and living. In today's gospel reading, he is teaching us about death and dying. First and foremost, Jesus is saying that death is a universal destiny; each and everybody will experience it; "will come upon everyone living on the earth." This phrase means that death is what we all share; our common heritage; is our "trade mark". We are all known by our death; we are not known by the way we live as by the way we die. This is why Jesus teaches us to pay more attention to death than to living: "Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware, like a trap."

Jesus stands out of all people because of his death, as this story shows. While traveling in Egypt, Harry Rimmer had an opportunity to talk with that country's secretary of state, and in the course of the conversation he brought up the subject of Christianity. Rimmer told the official that Christians believe God has given us three revelations of Himself. "We too believe that," said the official, who was a Muslim. "We believe God revealed Himself in the works of creation," said Rimmer. "We also believe that," the other responded. Rimmer continued, "We believe God has revealed Himself in a book-the Bible." The Muslim answered, "We too believe God has revealed Himself in a book-the Koran." Rimmer declared, "We believe God has revealed Himself in a man-Jesus Christ." "We also believe God has revealed Himself in a man," replied the official, "the prophet Mohammed." "We believe," added Rimmer, "that Jesus is able to substantiate His claims because He arose from the dead." The Muslim hesitated, then his eyes fell. Finally he replied, "We have no information concerning our prophet after his death." 

Joseph Renan, the French skeptic, said sarcastically but truthfully, "You Christians live on the fragrance of an empty tomb"

As for Jesus, we too should prepare to die well. How? "Stay awake, praying at all times for the strength to survive all that is going to happen, and to stand with confidence before the Son of Man."