Understanding Death

Death is a multifaceted concept with two primary aspects:

• Death Itself

• The Process of Dying

Both of these aspects tend to evoke a deep-seated aversion within us. We often shy away from discussing them openly. The fear they inspire is almost universal. Yet, for a Christian, death itself should not be a source of fear. In Christian belief, death is seen as a transition—a gateway from this life to eternal life. This perspective shifts the focus from fear to faith, viewing death as a passage rather than an end.

Death Itself

From a Christian perspective, death is not the final chapter but a transition from one mode of life to another. This belief is rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, who proclaimed, "I am the resurrection and the life…He who believes in me, even though he die, yet shall he live." (John 11:25-26). For Christians, death signifies the end of earthly existence and the beginning of eternal life with God. It is a journey from the temporal to the eternal, a gateway to a new, everlasting existence. St. Paul captures Jesus’ victory over death by rising from the dead in 1 Corinthians 15:55, in proclaiming, "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?"

The Process of Dying

Regardless of one's faith, the process of dying often remains a source of fear and discomfort. It is typically associated with pain, suffering, and the unknown. However, it is crucial to maintain perspective even when facing this challenging process. Life is filled with beauty and joy, yet it inevitably leads to the process of dying, much like pregnancy leads to labor and delivery. The discomfort that labor and delivery brings is overshadowed by the joy and purpose of bringing new life into the world. Similarly, the process of dying, though often unpleasant, is a necessary passage to a new mode of existence.

The Transformative Nature of Resurrection

Jesus proclaimed, “I am the resurrection” but what is resurrection? Resurrection is not merely a return to life; it is a transformation into a new state of being. For example, Jesus brought his good friend Lazarus back to life, but Lazarus did not resurrect. Jesus, on the other hand was the first to be resurrected into a glorified state. This is why Jesus is “the first fruits and the first born of creation.” The resurrected state is something totally new and unique, a new state of being, that joins the physical and the metaphysical. We have no objective reference for the resurrected state, but it is about transformation. To provide an imperfect analogy, consider the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly. The caterpillar and butterfly share the same DNA, yet they are remarkably different in form and function. Note: the attributes of the butterfly are embedded in the DNA of the caterpillar and are just waiting to be actualized.  So too, for each one of us.  We are presently in a physical, mortal state of being, just waiting to be transformed into the resurrected state.  Presently we are all “caterpillars” but one day we shall all be beautiful butterflies.

The Cosmic Resurrection

The book of Revelation speaks of a future where God will dwell with humanity in a new heavens and a new earth, where "death shall be no more, neither will there be mourning nor crying nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away" (Revelation 21:4). This vision encompasses a cosmic resurrection and redemption, where the entire creation is renewed. Only those in a resurrected state can inhabit this new creation, underscoring the transformative nature of resurrection.

Living Well to Die Well

To die well, one must first live well. Living well involves aligning our lives with our divine purpose. This purpose, rooted in God's creation, calls us to live life abundantly by embracing our crosses daily, pursuing holiness over fleeting happiness, and embodying a life of humble, self-sacrificing love. As St. Paul said, "I no longer live, but Christ lives in me" (Galatians 2:20). An inspiring example of living well is Etty Hillesum, who, despite facing the horrors of Auschwitz, maintained her faith and found beauty and meaning in life, declaring life was glorious and magnificent. Etty's resilience and faith in God's goodness serve as a powerful testament to living well even amidst horror. Etty died well because she lived well – she lived a life of love, courage and the willingness to suffer.

Lorraine’s Story: A Story of Living Well to Die Well

A young mother 28 years old, had one son, and was pregnant again. Early into the pregnancy, she was diagnosed with very aggressive breast cancer. The doctor warned, “You need to have an abortion immediately so treatments can begin.” The young mother responded, “I cannot do that.” The doctor pressed, “No, you do not understand. If you do not end the pregnancy, and receive treatment immediately, your chance of survival is extremely slim.” The young mother declared, “I could not live with myself if I killed my child, so I will take my chances.” What the doctor did not know, and could not understand, is Lorraine loved the child in her womb more than life itself.

Lorraine’s baby girl was born healthy, and Lorraine underwent treatment. Within two years, Lorraine was on her deathbed. On the day she died, Lorraine asked the nurse to bring her some water. When the nurse returned with the water, she looked at her husband, who was distraught and wasted, and lovingly suggested, “You drink it. You need it more than I do.” This young mother died that day.

Throughout her life, even on her deathbed, all she could do was think of others. Lorraine understood Jesus’ call to be courageous, to love, and give of oneself, even unto death. Lorraine’s sacrifice reflected the words recorded in the Gospel of Matthew (6:19-21) where it declares, do not store up for yourselves earthly treasures, but rather store up heavenly treasures, “For where your treasure is there your heart will also be.” Lorraine stored up heavenly treasures by putting into practice courage, love, and the willingness to suffer. What was Lorraine’s treasure? The baby in her womb. That is where Lorraine’s heart was. Lorraine did not live a long life, but she lived a holy life, aligned with her Savior. Lorraine died well because she lived well. Like St. Paul, Lorraine “fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.”

Lorraine taught our family what it means to be truly magnificent. What it means to seek heavenly treasure. What it means to show courage, love, and the willingness to suffer. Lorraine lived her life with her eyes fixed on the eternal, a holy life, good and pleasing to God. Lorraine’s sacrifice will never be forgotten. How could it be? Through her loving sacrifice, Lorraine lives on through her children, and her children’s children; that is Lorraine’s beautiful legacy to the world. My children and I can take heart in those most wonderful words of Jesus, “Because I live, you shall also live” (John 14:9). One day we shall all meet again. What will transpire, will be the greatest group hug ever, for a mother and wife, after God’s own heart.

Conclusion

Death and dying are inherent parts of the human experience. Understanding and embracing these concepts through the lens of faith transforms fear into hope and purpose. By living well—aligned with our divine purpose, embracing love and courage, and maintaining faith—we prepare ourselves for a death that is not an end, but a glorious transformation into eternal life. St. Paul reminds us that our sufferings are momentary afflictions, incomparable to the “eternal weight of glory” that awaits us. Like St. Paul, we are called to live life well by “fighting the good fight, finishing the race, and keeping the faith”, knowing that our ultimate victory lies in the resurrection and eternal life with God.