Read:
The book of Ecclesiastes laments the meaninglessness and irony of human life. Paul asks Colossians to set one’s mind on the things from above. Jesus relativizes earthly riches and invites us to seek to be wealthy in the eyes of God.
Reflect:
In the 1989 movie Dead Poets Society, John Keating, the new English teacher, leads his students towards a group photo of senior alumni (who are all now dead), displayed prominently in the school. Referring to them, Keating observes: “The world was their oyster. They believed they were destined for greatness…. But these boys are now fertilizing daffodils.” Shocking imagery, but so very true! How we obsess about many material achievements in life, as if we would live forever! We live as if death happens to someone else, and not to us! Once a woman in her late 80s came to me to discuss her end-of-life decisions. While speaking, she repeatedly used the phrase, “if I die…” I gently said to her: “Perhaps you might want to say, ‘when I die.’” She stood stunned for a moment and then broke into a smile of recognition.
Pray:
Pray for a clear awareness about our true home and destiny.
Act:
Spend some time in a cemetery, meditating on the fragility of life