AT DEATH’S DOOR
By now they were all in tears; they put their arms round Paul’s neck and kissed him. – Acts 20:37
Have you ever watched someone die? I have. My father died of cancer and I had to watch helplessly while he struggled for his last remaining breath.
Every day, we would visit the hospital thinking, “Is this going to be the day?” We would catch up on the things that we wanted to say and shower him with all the love that we could express.
Living a step away from death’s door has a way of putting things in perspective. You take the time to give that extra hug. You find it in your heart to pardon an offense. You verbalize your feelings and clear up misunderstandings. You learn to ask, “What is the meaning of my life?”
To make sense of death, we have to give value to our life. Our instinct is to protect our own interest, sometimes at the cost of others. If we keep preserving ourselves then our efforts will fail once we inevitably die. St. Paul reminds us to keep giving, because we can find meaning by serving others as Christ did. Only then can we discover true happiness and welcome death with open arms. Cecil Lim (cez_lim@yahoo.com)
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REFLECTION:
“When you wonder about the mystery of yourself, look to Christ, who gives you the meaning of life.” (Blessed John Paul II)
Lord Jesus, help me to conquer death by offering You my life.
St. Felix of Cantalice, pray for us.
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