A Thief In The Night

The reality of death is always present. It really comes like a thief in the night. And nobody really has the chance to prepare for it. Well, not if you're diagnosed with the Big C or any terminal sickness and the doctor has given you your date with the Soul Taker. At least, knowing that you're dying soon, no matter how painful and shocking it may be, is always a better option than not knowing until when you will stay alive. The former still gives one the opportunity to amend all his wrong doings and live the last days of his life in all holiness while the latter does not bring immediate enlightenment but rather brings complacency towards working for the salvation of one's soul.

Just last Tuesday, a former consultant in one of the big-ticket projects in our agency succumbed to an untimely death (well, is there such a thing as a timely death?) due to a massive stroke. The news of his death, naturally, came as a shock. For somebody who was in his late 40s, life had still so much to offer. But that's life. Nobody could really tell the exact time and place when we shall depart from this ephemeral world.

Since we do not know when death will come upon us, it would be wise to spend each day as if it were our last. It would be foolish to think that our end will not yet come and that God will always give us more time to change our ways and save our soul. Living a holy life is never easy because even if the body is willing, the spirit is weak. This is a struggle we all face but it can be overcome by total surrender of one's self to God. No matter how hard we try to keep away from sinning, if we do not totally give our everything to the Creator, including our weaknesses and sins, all our efforts will be in vain. The more we will find ourselves in the abyss of wickedness.

However, if we empty ourselves and let the Holy Spirit fill us with His love and mercy, that's the only time we can experience God's saving power. If we continue to live in God's grace, there's no worry even if we die at this very moment.