Last night I get a call just before 10 pm...a beloved and active member of our parish had had a heart attack and was gone. Just like that a life that was, was no more, and a family immediately began to shift its priorities.
Now we all know that when it comes time for us to cease bodily functions, we would all like to go in such a manner. We want to be active, alert, and attentive up until the last moment. We don't want to linger and struggle. This is all well and good for us who wish we could plan our demise, but what about those left behind?
To be honest, as I sat with this family, even in the midst of their shock I saw the firm foundation of faith supporting them through this ordeal. Yes, there were tears and even regrets, but there was a firm conviction that the beloved was in a better place, and they faced their trial with a sense that God was still at work turning tragedy into triumph.
It makes me reflect, however, how easily we imagine that there will be a tomorrow. Obviously we cannot live in fear of dying, for then we would never live. Yet, whether it be physic numbing or simply ignorance, we rarely imagine that such a tragedy could happen to us. And still it does with frequent regularity. Can we ever be prepared? Probably not. Can we understand? Regretfully, not well. Can we live in the face of death? There is one who promises us the hope of life on the other side of death.
I'm not sure where I wish to go with this entry, except to say that the title, 'Last Night' is intended to have us all think. What if we knew this was our last day/night? How would we change the way we live our lives? Perhaps this is a good thought to ponder...
Peace,
Pal
