A reason to die

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 1, Issue 27, 6 December 1983, Page 16

A reason to die

Fr Bernie Vella, Ohakune Catholic Church

It comes to all of us — death — and how we face up / to it when it happens, depends on how we face up to it while we are living. The thought this week is for those who are old and living out their last years, but it may also strike a chord in the heart of anyone who is part of the life of any such old person. As far as this life is concerned, you old and declining citizens may think you have little to offer now, and little to look forward to. On the contrary. Also, you may, or may not, have loved ones about you still — yet

again, you know that one day, even that is not going to matter anymore, at least in time. Now all that is a merely human outlook, but we can be more than humans: we can be Christians. In the Christian vision, death is not the end of life; it is the stepping stone from Phase One to Phase Two of life, and the gateway to a better life. I believe those who are there already see themselves as alive and ourselves as yet unborn. So, a Christian knows his hope is in the life of the world to come. Look back

now on your life and ask yourself if you have had a reason to live — what has made your life worthwhile? Well, have a reason to die too, and then your death will crown your life. The Christian's reason to die is the same as his reason to live — eternal life. Let us never forget it, but be buoyed up by hope. We're going to meet again — the ones we loved and who loved us and have gone before us. It is not only the old for whom death is a constant, and I hope friendly companion. Those who care about you walk it with you. Recently I used to visit my own parents, both in the eighties, still battling on. From just a natural viewpoint, it was sad, and frustrating, to see them gradually declining as old age inevitably got the better of them. Only faith in eternal love, especially the way Jesus taught it, gav^j| meaning, for them as tH^ faced it, and for me as I watched them. This is the same Jesus who went ahead to prepare a place for us. I believe he has prepared a place for you.