As we approach the end of our liturgical year, Mark’s Gospel forces us to think about not only the end of times (the Apocalypse), but also the end of our own lives. Next week will be the feast of Christ the King which marks the end of this liturgical year. Mark is writing his gospel to the Roman Christian community that felt they were in the Apocalypse because they were undergoing great persecution and even execution. Mark wrote this passage to give them hope by reminding them that death is a doorway to the afterlife because Jesus had conquered death. At first, we might think that the Gospel passage is a bit depressing, but there is actually some comfort and joy to be gained from thinking about the “end.”
Over the past four years, I have given the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick to many people. Some were closer to death than others, but they all had one thing in common – they (or their loved ones who called me) took the possibility of death very seriously. In Catholic spirituality there is a Latin phrase, “Memento Mori,” or “remember death.” The saints constantly speak of the importance of meditating on death. In the Rule for the Benedictine Order, St. Benedict reminds the monks to “Keep death daily before your eyes.” Yet, most of us prefer to avoid that topic. This tradition has a rich and long history. God says to Adam and Eve as they leave the Garden of Eden: “You are dust, and to dust you shall return.” The Book of Sirach reminds us, “In whatever you do, remember your last days, and you will never sin.”
The concept of memento mori can be quite motivating, and that motivation can be put to good use. When we meditate on death, we should consider the “Four Last Things:” death, judgment, hell, and heaven. These are the things that each of us will face individually at the end of our lives and collectively at the end of times. By recognizing that our time on earth is limited, we are reminded to focus on what truly matters and to live our lives with holy purpose and meaning. Life is short. Eternity is long. In the end, holiness is the only thing worth living (and dying) for.
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