Total Recall: Remember Your Death

In June 2008, I was embarking on my last long, anticipated summer of high school and hoping to enjoy something extraordinary with family and friends. That same summer, I became a member of the Knights of Columbus through an invitation from my dad who was one for more than a decade.

It was on that night when I went through the first degree that I was given a reminder of a four-word Latin phrase that is prominent for November and for how we should live our lives by God. Tempus Fugit Memento Mori. The phrase means, “Time Flies. Remember (Your) Death.

Every November hits me every time I think about that night, I became a knight and how this can correlate with my earthly pilgrimage. Now, it may seem a bit morbid, but we are all going to die. It’s just a matter of when and how.

When I approach the month of November, I take time to remember all who have gone before them and recall a memory or two that I shared with that person. I have lost relatives and friends respectively. I lost three relatives (uncle and two cousins) in a matter of six months. I lost friends in a matter of three months. I even mourned the loss of a former teacher. My heart was moved with pity hearing of their passing. A memory of two would come to my recollection.

We began the month with a holy reminder of all the men and women who obtained the title of sainthood. The next day and for November, we take time to remember those who have gone before us.

It is a time to pause and reflect on our own lives. We look not only to the saints for guidance but also to those who lived a long and short life. We are reminded that life is precious and fragile. Yet, we must work now on obtaining the rewards of heaven.

It will take us praying for those who have gone before us and the prayers of those who can intercede on our behalf. Meanwhile, we as earthly pilgrims can be with the saints by permeating their holy examples.

Make time to receive the sacraments, pray for all of the departed, do works of mercy in remembrance of all whom we have lost, and make time to be present with Jesus in adoration. Live fully with gratitude of the gifts God has bestowed upon you.

Living as authentic witnesses is how we all will prepare for death. 

All you holy men and women, saints of God, pray for us.