When Our Time Comes To say Goodbye

When our time comes to say Goodbye

Eileen Renders

As the years have passed, and I have lost many family members and friends, I have become more philosophical in matters of how to face saying goodbye when my time to go arrives. I am certain this will require a deeper reflection on whether or not I have lived my life according to my inner and professed beliefs. That thought, of course, triggers thoughts of why we would not take time to do some reflection while we are still up and moving around. Does the idea of fearing death indicate that we have done things that we truly regret and have not made amends for? Have we confessed our sins sincerely in a Confessional?

Moreover, have we remained close to God, and prayed for trusting His ways, being ready when He calls our name?

There are many questions we can ask of ourselves today. However, whenever we become ill, there may not be enough time to say to someone we have hurt, “I am truly sorry.” We may have to say to God, “I am sorry for not living with more mercy, compassion, and humility.” Regrets in the end may hurt us more than anyone else who may have suffered from our inequities. Those we may have harmed could have long ago forgiven us, yet we hung on to resentment and hostility.

Saint Joseph, Jesus’ stepfather, it has been said, had a happy death in the arms of Jesus. We, too, can look forward to taking our last breath with Jesus beside us, leading our way to follow Him. It does require us, of course, to follow Him, live His Commandments, serve others with humility, obedience, and mercy as God has shown us how to do.

When the Holy Spirit lives within us, it is not because this is how it works for everyone. We must take the time to live every day as though it were our last. Not in sadness, but in joy! Pray to God to send the Holy Spirit to dwell within us, pray for more trust, and pray with sincerity that is acknowledged and accepted by God when we truly become submissive to His will.

The Evil One tempts all of us to live with pride, desiring attractiveness, attention, praise (isn’t this what caused Lucifer to be thrown from heaven?), and living without compassion for others.

No one knows the day or hour, but our Father in heaven, when we will be called and be judged, and become accountable for how we lived our lives, and the choices we have made.

Therefore, together let us take advantage of today, and make those changes that only we can make for ourselves, and not wait until our last hour to go out in fear and regret.

Death is not so scary when Christ is with us, soothing our hearts and our souls, leading us home safely.