November is suddenly becoming a very important month in my life. I love Thanksgiving, but that is not why. Rather, it is a month that reminds me of my own mortality. That doesn’t sound very fun, however in the long scheme of things it is a very important consideration.
At the beginning of November (1st) we celebrated the Solemnity of All Saints. We remember those men and women from all ages who “practiced virtue and lived in fidelity to God’s grace” and in whom “the Church recognizes the power of the Spirit of holiness within her and sustains the hope of believers by proposing the saints to them as models and intercessors” (CCC 828).
On the 2nd we observed the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day). We had a beautiful Mass and prayed for the repose of 51 persons connected with Good Shepherd Parish who went to their eternal reward during the past year. As Catholics we know that we have only this life to prepare for eternity. We also know that death does not separate us from our faithful departed loved ones. Our Church teaches us that we have the duty and privilege to pray for the repose of their souls so that they may enter the beatific vision and be forever with God. As I looked around that evening, my heart rejoiced that we were praying together, and I thought about when my own time comes, and I prayed that there would be faithful Catholics to intercede for me.
This morning (November 11th) we celebrated the Memorial of St. Martin of Tours. His life of sanctity and his battle with Satan for the eternal souls of others caused me to think deeply. I asked myself, “What if today were the last day of my life? What would I do differently?” Have you ever asked yourself that question?
Benjamin Franklin once wrote: “in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” I won’t opine about taxes, but Scripture does tell us, “It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27 ESV-CE). There’s only one way out of this world and we need to prepare for it. And because we are Christians, we are called to help others prepare for it as well. To live well is to die well.
Am I preparing myself? Am I willing to respond to the call to help others prepare as well? So, what would I do on my last day?
I would desire to grow in holiness. “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).
I would partake of the Sacraments, the Eucharist and Reconciliation. “Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him” (John 6:56).
I would read Scripture and spend time in prayer. “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31b–32).
I would practice self-denial in loving service to my neighbor. “It is better to give alms than to store up gold, for almsgiving saves from death. And purges all sin. Those who give alms will enjoy a full life” (Tobit 12:8b–9 NABRE). “Above all, let your love for one another be intense, because love cover a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).
The end will come for all of us. What you and I do today will be crucial to how and where we spend eternity. The good news of Jesus Christ is that we can have the great hope of living forever in God’s eternal kingdom. That is why we evangelize, especially in the month of November!