26 January 2018
Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus, bishops
There is a Jesuit in his forties who is dying from advanced cancer. He is dying well, because he believes in his heart that this present life that we see and feel is not the same thing as “the promise of life in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim 1:1). The followers of this man, Jesus Christ, or rather, this true man and true God, Jesus Christ, are not promised a long life on this earth. Jesus, himself, died after only 33 years here. Instead, Christians have been promised a spiritual life. This promise was fulfilled when Jesus sent the Holy Spirit upon the disciples at Pentecost. We, ourselves, received that same spirit when we were baptized, and it was strengthened when we were confirmed.
Death is a heavy thing, and we have a right to suffer and to grieve when it approaches, but not as if we had no hope. Did Jesus fail to follow through on his promise to the good thief: “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43)? Will he fail to follow through on his promise of life to the rest of us? “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day” (John 6:54).
Death only puts an end to this earthly life. We may have had some happiness on this earth. We may have had some heavy crosses to bear. When our time on this earth is over, then, at last, will we set down our crosses. Then will we be truly happy with our Lord in paradise. If we remember this, we will die well. We will also live well.