Death – A Lenten Meditation

[ 6 ] March 3, 2013 AD |

imagesIn this season of Lent, we often come across the topic of death. Death is one of those things that people like to cover up and put so far away in their future that it almost stops existing to them. But is death the real thing to fear? The only reason to really fear death is because we don’t want to be held accountable for our indifferent lives, and so the real thing to worry about is sin.

Sin is the only thing that keeps us from God and from entering into His kingdom. In keeping death and salvation before our eyes, sin becomes something more to avoid. In order to do this, think every morning that this is your last day, and that you must do the best to sanctify it with Our Lord’s help. In doing so, we grow in virtue, holiness, love of God, and are always prepared for death.   In the book of the Apocalypse 16:15, Christ tells us “Behold, I come as a thief in the night. Blessed is he that watcheth….”

The crucifix is such a good example of this, showing us that this is not our home. The only reason we suffer is to make up for our sins, and to show us that this is not where we belong. How many times have we suffered on this earth? Jesus came to earth to do just this, not only to make a point, but to show us that the only reason we’re here is to show God we’re His, and not the world’s.

Let us then show Him!

A beneficial prayer to say each night has a promise attached that he who dies after saying it will be spared the pains of Purgatory. It goes as follows: “Oh Lord, my God, from this moment do I accept from Thy hands, with burning love and sincere contrition, with a calm and willing disposition, whatsoever death Thou shalt choose to send me, with it’s pains and griefs. Amen.”

How easily can we reach sanctity by doing this! Let us spend this Lent fruitfully and get closer to our heavenly home. God bless!

Tags: , ,

Category: Religion, Uncategorized

About the Author ()

Alexandra Reis is a 16-year-old cradle Catholic. Her passions consist of learning and writing about the Faith and trying to spread it. She is drawn to the traditional Latin Mass. She is also interested in poetry, art, playing the piano, and acquiring wisdom at a young age. She hopes to become a writer and professional public speaker in the future in order to save souls for the greater glory of God.

  • Pingback: Death – A Lenten Meditation | CATHOLIC FEAST

  • Pingback: MONDAY MORNING EDITION | Big Pulpit

  • Dick Schenk

    Very helpful article. I am interested in the origin of the prayer you mention near the end of your article.

    On a different topic, I read your short bio. I was amazed to read how young you are. You write very well and on topics that are so valuable. You and your peers are the hope for our Catholic Church. We need an infusion of young people and their energy who are on fire for Christ.

    Best wishes for your personal, professional and spiritual success.

    • Alexandra Reis

      Thank you so much! The prayer is from St. Augustine. You know, I think it’s important for all Catholics to start thinking seriously about the Faith at a young age so that they can acquire the maximum amount of wisdom and merit at the end of their lives. Hopefully I can practice this, and I thank for your kind comments! God bless!

  • St Donatus

    Nice article. I must commend you for your drawing to the Latin Mass. It certainly has caused many great things to happen in my life. I returned to the Catholic Church due to the help I received through a Latin Mass parish. Sad to say I left the church in my youth almost 30 years ago due to the poor Catechism, unCatholic priests, and poor masses. Somehow it seems as if the Graces I receive from God work stronger in me when received from a Latin Mass. All I know is that once I started going to the Latin mass, I was finally able to easily overcome a sinful habit I have had all my life. The Latin mass is no doubt harder than the novus ordo mass but the work is worth it.

    If I had one piece of advice for a young Catholic it is to remember that as Pope Benedict once said, there are wolves inside and outside the Catholic Church. Don’t ever let a bad priest, bishop, or any other Catholic weaken your faith. One of the main things that gives me faith in the Catholic Church is that DESPITE bad priests, Bishops, and even Popes, Satan has not been able to bring down the Catholic Church or the truth of its teachings. World powers have come and gone but the Church remains for ever due to Gods blessing.

    May God bless your efforts in learning, writing about the Faith and trying to save souls. It is so much easier to influence other young people when you are young then when they are older and set in their ways.

    • Alexandra Reis

      I’m so glad that the Latin Mass has helped you through your Faith! I thank you for the advice because there are many more wolves than sheep these days. It always gives me consolation to think back and remember when our Lord said that the gates of Hell will not prevail against the Church. It’s obvious God will have to do something, whether it be a chastisement or a new saintly Pope, but until then I think the best thing is to place your main trust in God.

      It is true where there have been instances of certain priests trying to weaken my faith, but I try my best to only depend upon God in these dark times so that the One True Shepherd can lead those who truly stay faithful.

      Thank you so much for your kind words, I hope that your spiritual journey will be clear rather than dark and confusing like the world we live in, and may God always bless you!

«
»