AM+DG

Death [Repetition]
Great secret of death, which makes us see that which the lovers of the world do not see! The most enviable
fortunes, the most exalted dignities, the proudest triumphs, lose all their splendor when they are viewed from the
bed of death. The ideas of a certain false happiness which we have formed to ourselves are then changed into
indignation against our own madness. The dark and gloomy shades of death cover and obscure all dignities, even
royal ones.
At present our passions make the things of this earth appear different from what they really are; death tears
away the veil and shows them in their true light. Let us, then, be persuaded that the proper time to prepare for the
hour of death is during life. Let us hasten to do now what we cannot do then. All passes quickly and ends. “The
time is short.” Therefore, let us so act that everything may serve us towards attaining eternal life.

I. Introduction
a. St. Cyprian: “We are born with the halter around our neck.” Every step,
every breath, every tick of the clock brings us closer to the grave. All of our
arrangements and plans mean nothing in the face of death. The dead man
says, “Yesterday for me; today for thee.” Today we may have a pretty face, a
winning smile, but soon – we do not know when – it will all pass. We will
die, and sooner than we think. Some will sorrow, some will praise, some will
rejoice and condemn. All will forget. He is carried to the grave, where the
body becomes a feast for worms, bugs, bacteria. It becomes slimy, with a
horrendous smell. Cheeks, lips, and hair fall off. “Contemplate the
sepulchers of the dead and see if you can distinguish who has been a servant
and who a master.” Death is the great equalizer.
b. Image – Myself on my death bed
c. Grace – perfect contrition for sin
II. Death is a punishment for sin – God has condemned all because of one sin.
Why did this mother die? this young child? this old man? Not because of a
fever, an accident, a heart attack, etc., but because of sin, the sin of Adam. Sin
brings forth death.
Sin = an abuse of time Death = deprivation of time
a. Death is a passing. It shows us that our happiness is not here below.
Everything here is transitory.
Lk. 12:16 And he spoke a similitude to them, saying: The land of a certain rich man
brought forth plenty of fruits. And he thought within himself, saying: What shall I do,
because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said: This will I do: I will pull
down my barns and will build greater: and into them will I gather all things that are grown
to me and my goods. And I will say to my soul: Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for
many years. Take thy rest: eat, drink, make good cheer. But God said to him: Thou fool,
this night do they require thy soul of thee. And whose shall those things be which thou
hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself and is not rich towards God.
We are all in the hands of God. We could die at any time, when God chooses.
I must always be ready to die, to appear before God. A good death is the
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grace of grace, something we cannot merit and must pray for daily. Only 1 of
70 Catholics in the US receive the last Sacraments.
We must accept in a spirit of faith the death that God has planned for us. We
should even long for Heaven, to see OLJC. Much merit can be gained from
accepting death, especially on our death bed.
b. Life is short. We must prepare for death now. We cannot wait until tomorrow,
for tomorrow we die. We must always be in the state of grace. How many put
their eternity in jeopardy for a mere nothing, a simple pleasure, etc.? Our
Lord always had His death in mind. Monks kept skulls by their side.
Remember death and you will not die in Hell.
III. Three States of Death
a. Leaving all behind – I die in a few hours.
b. Death in the state of mortal sin – All is lost! My life is a failure. What does
it profit a man to gain the whole world and suffer the loss of his soul?
c. Death in the state of grace – A passage, not a destruction; a joyful day.
IV. The Particular Judgment
a. Consider the number of your sins, their culpability, their effects on others,
the scandal given, etc. Every single action of our life has a moral quality to
it. It is either good or bad, depending on the reason for which we perform the
action. Each action has eternal consequences. How great, then is the gift of
confession! It is an invention of God’s love and mercy.
b. O great moment of eternity! At death, we will understand the value of time
and the ease of saving our soul and gaining merit. What would I have wished
to have done once I am in eternity? That is what I should do now.
c. How fearful we are to appear before a human tribunal! What will not be our
terror when appearing before the Most High God, before whom nothing is
holy? How much should I fear, when the saints themselves trembled? What
shall I say when Christ shall appear, showing His wounds. What have you
done with all that I have given you, your hands, your mind, your tongue,
your will?
V. Colloquy – Thank God for time given you. I will use the rest of my time well.
No more mortal sins! I will prepare myself for death and pray daily for a happy
death. Finish with triple colloquy.