Memento Mori

Tomorrow is All Souls Day; a time to remember and pray for our loved ones who have passed away. It may also be a day to think about our own death, which will come at an hour that only the Lord knows. Memento mori means “remember your death” and points to the importance of contemplating our own, personal hour. Although thinking about death can be scary, I do think there are benefits in doing so. I also think it becomes less scary the more one meditates and prays about it.

Very briefly, here is one reason why meditating on the moment of death is important. It makes one think of the moment they are living in presently. Am I living in a way that will cause regrets when I die, or will I be pleased by the way I have treated others, spent my time, and loved God? Am I living for the world or am I focused on eternal life? Is there anyone in my life who I should work towards making reparations with?

Meditating on our death is not meant to be sad or upsetting, but rather, it brings joy knowing that the heavenly celebration awaits us. It is meant to help us live a good life and to focus on what is important. I think it is natural to fear death; it is unpredictable and mysterious. But I also think that we can certainly have confidence in God’s mercy and love. We can ask him, along with Our Lady and St. Joseph (the patron of a happy death), to accompany us into eternal life.

“In all your affairs, remember the end of your life, and then you will never sin” (Sirach 7:36).