Mortality 

   “Each day remind yourself of your mortality.” (Rule of St. Benedict, chapter 4) 

   This morning I attended the funeral Mass for a young woman of only 33 years of age.  Mortality is a fact of life but when it is someone so young it is an even more vivid reminder.

   We tend to think of our mortality as something that occurs after many years of life.  We certainly don’t expect to die young though we know that many do.  The death of a younger person somehow touches our heart more deeply than that of one who has had a full life even though it really shouldn’t.

   I often wonder how many consider that today could be the day they are called from this life.  It may sound morbid, but it is simply recognizing the fact that we will all leave this life at a time unknown to us.  We are blessed with being able to somewhat ignore this fact which allows us to not spend our life in fear.  And yet, this ability can sometimes lead us down a dangerous path.  We feel that there is plenty of time to prepare when, in fact, there may be very little.

   God has blessed us with life, and He wants us to know happiness and joy in this life even though there will also be some pain and sorrow along the way.  However, there is no alternative to our mortality, this life will end at some point.  We need to be more fully aware of our eternal life, ensuring that we are ready for that inevitable event. 

You give us life Lord.

But this life will end.

May we prepare for the next life.

And spend eternity with You. 

Amen