Facing up

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 46, 7 May 1985, Page 12

Facing up

Anzac Day, 25 April. A light drizzle is falling as several hundred people stand quietly during the Dawn Parade. The flag is slowly lowered, accompanied by the heartrending notes of the "Last Post" Then there is silence. a silence like that of death itself: an emptiness. a nothingness. a silence that drags on. A note of hope is struck as the bugler plays the "Reveille" and the flag is quickly raised up the staff. Anzac Day confronts us with death. Assisting the terrrtinally ili. having a "close shave" while driving. suffering a serious , illness provide other such confrontations. When such occasions arise it is important to face up to

death. What follows death is what makes our present activity either important or irrelevant. If after death there is only emptiness and nothingriess, then it is important to seek satisfaction in this life. If after death there is another life, then it is important to prepare for it while we can. Our lives pivot on what happens at death. Jesus Christ is the only person who knows all about that life after death. He said: "No one has gone up to heaven except the one who came down from heaven, the Son of Man who is in heaven" (John 3:13). So. when we are facing up to death we can turn to the teachings of Jesus Christ for the "words of eternal life" (John 6:68).

Fr N.

Wilson,

S.M.