Rev. Fr. David Okolie
Dearest friends, you can bear witness to the fact that THE THOUGHT OF DEATH is the most avoided idea in our individual lives and in communal discussions. However, this DEATH that we always avoid thinking about, is a MUST for everybody.
It is true that death was not originally in the plan of God; hence, the Catechism affirms:
Even though man’s nature is mortal God had destined him not to DIE. DEATH was therefore contrary to the plans of God the Creator and entered the world as a consequence of SIN (cf. CCC, n. 1008).
👉🏼However, the good news is that our Lord Jesus Christ, through his obedience, has transformed the CURSE of Death into a BLESSING (cf. CCC, n. 1009, Rom 5:19-21). Therefore, as Christians, if we DIE in Christ’s GRACE, physical death has no power over us but completes our incorporation into Him in His redeeming act (cf. CCC, n. 1010). But what does it mean to die in Christ’s grace? It simply means dying while believing in God and CONCRETELY practising the Love of God and the Love of Neighbour. Remember, the words of Jesus Christ thus: “… When I was hungry you gave me food to eat…” (cf. Mt 25:31-46).
👉🏼Please, permit me to conclude with this: “DEATH IS REAL. it may be today or tomorrow. it may be you or I. let us be that whom we would want to be at the hour of our death”
May the Blessed Virgin Mary always support us with her powerful intercession. Amen🙏🏼
(Cf. CATECHESIS “NKUZI NKE OKWUKWE” FOR THE 13TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME(B)
READINGS: R1 Wis 1:13-15;23-24, R2 2 Cor 8:7.9.13-15, Gosp. Mk 5:21-43).
Happy Sunday and remain blessed!
