Remember Death Now: Practical Tips to Prepare for a Holy Death Now

In 2008, I became a member of the Knights of Columbus. It was during the ceremonial that made me a member that the reader told me a four word Latin phrase that should resonate to everyone today. Tempus Fugit Memento Mori The Latin phrase means, “Time flies. Remember death.”

As we commemorate all of the lives lost, I want to encourage everyone to understand that we only have one earthly pilgrimage. Many of us will have ups and downs during this journey, yet we are called to live for the glory of God. Thankfully, we have practical tips to start at this very moment.

Go to Confession
 

Never underestimate the grace one can receive from the sacraments. They help strengthen our souls. Get to confession monthly, yet one should consider developing a holy habit to go on a weekly basis. Two days to go would be on a Friday or Saturday. Consider going to confession around the First Friday or First Saturday. Then, when the confidence builds, make it a weekly routine.

Make a Weekly Holy Hour
 

Many of the saints draw their strength from the Eucharist. Pope Francis said it well, “The Eucharist is food for pilgrims, which becomes (a source of) strength also for those who are tired, worn out and lost," The Eucharist helps strengthen our journey. Imagine a car driving in the middle of the highway. Then, suddenly, it goes kabooey. Why? It’s because it ran out of gas. Like gas needed for a car, the Eucharist is the fuel Catholics need to continue their journey to heaven. Even Blessed Carlo Acustis reminds us, “The Eucharist is my highway to heaven.” Likewise, it should be our highway to heaven.

Do Works of Mercy
 

Remember that verse from St. James’ letter that Protestants try to prove their superiority faith over Catholics? Well, let’s turn the tables here. We have fourteen works of mercy. Many of them have deeper meanings behind them. The works of mercy help us put our faith into action. Whether it’s helping the poor, sick, those in mourning, or someone who has lost their way, the Catholic faith is not a merely weekly occurrence. Rather, it is a daily practice.

Grow in Knowledge
 

There are so many great Catholic books out there one can read. The wisdom of the saints and other faithful can help us know more of the faith and share it with others.

We also have podcasts for many to listen. Whatever the case, the Catholic Church is rich with so much that one can grow in wisdom and knowledge. It will help in our evangelization efforts.

Pray
 

Let’s not forget to pray every day. Pray during all parts of the day. Some practices that can be grown is Morning prayer, angelus, the rosary during lunch, Divine Mercy chaplet, and a daily examination of conscience before bed.

Evangelize
 

Our culture needs faithful witnesses now. In turn, we need saints in the new millennium. If our faith is just a weekly practice, it’s being done wrong. It must be an everyday practice.  Christ reminds us, “Go into the world and preach the Gospel to all creation.” As baptized Catholics, we are called to share the Good News – Jesus – to others through our words and deeds.

So how can we prepare for death? Receiving the sacraments, praying for the living and dead, increase our knowledge of the faith, and most importantly being an authentic witness to the faith every day.  It starts now.