One thing that a person can be sure of in his life on this earth is death. Death is a natural end for every human being. We can never escape death. We can face death anytime of our lives. “As no one has power over the wind to contain it so no one has power over the time of their death” (Ecclesiastes 8:8). After our death the body that we took such great care of will rot and become food for maggots. All come from dust, and to dust all return.

For the spirit he has caused to dwells in us (James 4:5) and where does this spirit go after our death? When all that come from dust returns to dust that which came from God should return to God. If we were to die this moment will our spirit return to God?

If the Lord’s yearning is for the spirit to reach heaven after our death, then we should realize that our happiness is not in the material things the world has to offer but our real happiness comes from God. We should be able to lead a life away from sins and the happiness this world has to offer and live in unity with God. Since we do not know the time and hour of our death we should always be prepared for it.  “Nineveh, you are under attack! The power that will shatter you has come. Prepare the defenses! Guard the road! Prepare for battle!” (Nahum 2:1). Therefore let us live each day as if it is the last day of our lives. Let us desire for a good death staying away from sin which leads the body and the spirit to death and decay.

Let us keep these words of God always in our hearts. “In all you do, remember the end of your life, and then you will never sin” (Sirach 7:36).

Fr Bineesh Mankunnel CST