Whoever Believes in Me Will Never Die
Since we were kids, we used to hear a wise proverb from mom and dad, which is perhaps, at first glance, a raw truth of life. They used to tell us frequently: “in life nothing is guaranteed to happen, except death.” It’s true, indeed very true. The only sure thing is death. It is reason for suffering, sadness, and sometimes crises.
When receiving news of the death of a loved one, a human being, by nature, reacts opposite to how s/he reacts when a beloved child is born. Though this may be a normal initial attitude toward death, Christ actually asks us to live the experience of the death of our loved ones with supernatural meaning – in other words, to dwell not on the end of life here on earth, but instead on the joy of beginning eternal life with God.
The Church’s catechism teaches us that, “Thanks to Christ, the Christian death has a positive meaning.” (CCC 1010) In the words of St. Paul, “Life is Christ, and dying is a gain.” (Philippians 1:21) As St. Paul further points out, it is true, “…that if we have died with him, we will also live with him;” (2 Timothy 2:11) that’s why we proclaim in anthems at funeral Masses: “he who believes in [the Lord], will never die.” (John 11:26)
Recently, a close relative of ours died. This situation pushed us to approach this human reality. Even though his death was very tough news for us, his children, his wife, and our family, it was also a blessing for those of us who loved him because it brought us all closer together.
Our uncle left an impeccable legacy on this earth and sowed a blessing in his community. He prospered among many, and helped others prosper with him. He sowed hope in his family and was committed to carry the banner of The Resurrected. He was a man so enamored with God and with His admirable Mother that we can be certain he shared lovingly these wise words of St. Teresa of Ávila, “I want to see God, and in order to see Him it’s necessary to die.” The end of this earthly pilgrimage came to our uncle, and we trust in divine providence that, being a just and generous man, he will resurrect with Christ to eternal life. Our departed uncle is now joyful, having slept in the Lord.
Those of us who have lived through the death of a beloved person, recently or in any moment of our lives, have no other choice but to continue with the same earthly pilgrimage, which consists in loving without limits and acting in good faith. Let’s strengthen ourselves in the Lord who is light in the middle of the darkness of pain and sadness. Let’s cry because it’s human to cry, let’s suffer because it’s human to suffer, but let’s allow that the grace of the One who has reigned over death along with all the saints brings us the just hope to continue with Christ, for Christ, and in Christ.
We will leave you a special poem to say farewell to a beloved person:
“You can shed tears that he is gone,
or you can smile because he has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that he’ll come back,
or you can open your eyes and see all he’s left.
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him,
or you can be full of the love you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember him only that he is gone,
or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind,
be empty and turn your back.
Or you can do what he’d want:
smile, open your eyes, love and go on.”
~ David Harkins
Juan and Sofia were born into Catholic families in Colombia, South America. They met on Juan’s Patron Saint Feast Day, Saint John Bosco, January 31st and recently got married on the 31st of July. Both have encountered Jesus in their lives and decided to follow him with great commitment.
Juan is a Political Scientist and also a great golfer. He works in the Wine and Spirits Industry.
Sofia is a commercial real estate lawyer and works at her family-owned business. They currently live in Cali, Colombia.
Juan and Sofia are increasingly passionate about the apostolic mission with the youth and young professionals. They are committed to showing the love of God and his mysteries through the beauty of the sacrament of marriage and friendship. Both have lived their conversion through different spiritualities within the Church, such as the charismatic renewal, parish groups (Emaus and Effeta), Mana (a self-founded apostolic group) and Opus Dei. This last one is currently where both congregate and receive all their spiritual formation and guidance. Although they have much to learn, they are eager to share their testimony with all the readers.
