Love the best and proper way to prepare for death

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

THAT’S what we can learn from the Gospel of St. Luke where Christ talks about death that will come to us like a thief in the night and how we can prepare for it by giving ourselves to others what God has given us. “Unto whomsoever much is give, of him much shall be required, and to whom they have committed much, of him they will demand the more.” (cfr. Lk 12,39-48)

This point is reinforced in that gospel story about a rich young man who asked Christ how he can inherit eternal life (cfr. Mk 10,17-27). It is a poignant warning among the so-called good Christians who may already be doing a lot of good but still are unwilling to give all to God.

It’s a story that effectively reveals what is truly inside our heart. Is our heart really for God or is it actually just for ourselves though it can be showy about being Godly? The man in the gospel readily admitted that he had been observing the commandments, as Christ articulated them again. But when he was told what he had to do to merit eternal life, he could not take it.

“You are lacking in one thing,” Christ told him. “Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this, the man’s face fell and went away sad, for he had many possessions which he was unwilling to give up.

We have to be most wary of this scenario in our life, which actually, and sadly, is quite common. There are good people who are not truly good enough, because when the ultimate test is made, they are not willing to give up all in order to have God.

They forget what St. Teresa once said, “Solo Dios basta,” (With God we have enough). They get too attached to the many good things in their life such that these blessings from God are converted into competitors of God themselves.

They prefer a life in this world that is without suffering, without self-denial, without the cross, as if a genuine Christian life can be exempted from all these. It is as if they have been born without original sin and have led their lives without committing any sin at all.

We have to be most careful with this most likely phenomenon happening in our lives. Yes, we have to be well-guarded against this temptation and do everything to combat it whenever, wherever and however it arises.

It would be a pity if after the many good things we may be doing, we fail to pass the final test. We have to remember that love is without measure. It is in its nature to give itself completely, convinced that what seems to be lost would actually be regained a hundredfold. In this, Christ has reassured us abundantly.

We have to realize more deeply that by giving back what we receive, we foster greater connectivity and communion among ourselves. This is urgently needed these days when, ironically, we have many more communication technologies than before and yet we seem to have more people isolating themselves from others now than before.

We have to cultivate a strong appetite for communion by giving ourselves to others unstintingly, not so much for what they give us as for what God has given us. This the way to prepare ourselves for death and to face God on Judgment Day.

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com