To describe death, we say: "He passed away." "The heavens and earth will pass away" (Lk 21:33; Rv 21:1). "Created things will pass away" (Heb 12:27). "The world with its seductions is passing away" (1 Jn 2:17). "The world as we know it is passing away" (1 Cor 7:31). Almost everything is passing away.
All this passing away is a terrible problem for all human beings, for the Lord "has put the timeless" into our heart (Eccl 3:11). Our heart for the timeless is threatened and disturbed by all this passing away.
This interior conflict is resolved by the few things that don't pass away. God doesn't pass away, and His Word and kingdom don't pass away (Heb 12:28). Even we don't pass away. Although our bodies temporarily pass away, they will be raised up on the last day, and our spirits at death go to heaven, purgatory, or hell. So they don't experience even a temporary passing. Whenever you hear the term "passed away," smile inside, for God, His Word, His kingdom, and you will never pass away. Alleluia! Praise Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life! (Jn 11:25)
| PRAYER: | Jesus, thank You for everlasting life. |
| PROMISE: | "Then I saw new heavens and a new earth." –Rv 21:1 |
| PRAISE: | Though her friends and family have died, Sarah looks forward to each day – and the last day. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College