fear facTor
One time I was having this animated conversation with some of my friends regarding a hit reality TV series that deals with defying one’s greatest fears. In that show, the contestants are shown to swim with alligators, to eat exotic and unfamiliar food, to walk through broken glasses and other death-defying stunts that would truly challenge and confront one’s fears. Then, one of my friends asked each of us what our greatest fear was. And majority of my friends responded death.
Why are we afraid of death? Why is it so difficult for us to talk about death? I think it is because death is often associated with darkness and decay, with sadness and hopelessness, with pain and weakness and mortality. More than anything, I think it is difficult because death has to do with losing something or someone. It is about the loss of the people we love, the loss of familiar things that we have gotten so used to, the loss of life and energy and vigor, the loss of beauty and opportunity. But, in today’s Gospel, Jesus was very much aware of the coming of His death. “The hour has come,” began Jesus, “when the Son of man should be glorified.” It was clear to Him that He was getting nearer and nearer to His death. But what was His attitude? He took it with calmness and He even gave symbolisms and imageries of death and what it brings forth. “Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain but if it dies, it produces much fruit.” He was saying here that it is only by death that new life is attained and made possible.
Yes, death can be a painful experience but if we only look at it on a deeper level and transcend our fears, anxieties and biases, then we would see the beauty of it. For death leads us to new life. It is never an end. It is just a phase. It is just a step towards eternal life, a life without fear for it would be a life in union with the Father. Fr. Joel O. Jason
Reflection Question:
Why do I fear death? When I wake up in the morning, what dominates my thoughts? How can I prepare myself to accept the reality of death?
Lord Jesus Christ, help me to view death not as a painful reality but in the light of the promise of life eternal. Inspire me to live this life with love and kindness that would lead to the attainment of a life in union with You. Amen.
St. Rupert, Bishop, pray for us.
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