“When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.” (1 Corinthians 15:54-56, NIV)
All other enemies of humanity are insignificant compared to death. Death breaks up a family of loved ones; what a horrible loss! We can reach the heights of pomp and power, but death brings the mighty to dust and ash. We can spend years acquiring knowledge or material resources, but death causes all of it to evaporate into nothingness. Death turns life into tragedy. It can take away the meaning. If death is ultimate, then we may well say, “eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die!”
Fénelon wrote to a woman deeply troubled by her husband’s death. “It is through great suffering the mystery of Christianity is accomplished. I mean the crucifixion of self. It is then the grace of God is unfolded to us and we understand the ultimate operation upon us and are taught to sacrifice self. We must turn our thoughts away from ourselves before we can give them to God.” He reasoned, “Thus touched in the tenderest part, troubled in its sweetest and purest affections, the heart feels that it cannot support itself, and escapes from its weakness and goes to God. These are violent remedies, but sin has made them necessary. This is the true support of the Christian in affliction. God lays his hand upon two beings united in holy affection. He confers a blessing upon both; he places one in glory, and he makes the means of salvation to the one that remains. This is what God has done for you.”
In a brief but clear way, Fénelon made it clear that Christ provides victory over both physical and spiritual death: “He confers a blessing upon both; he places one in glory, and he makes the means of salvation to the one that remains.” He gives victory over physical death and salvation over spiritual death.
As Paul wrote, not even death can separate us from the love of God. Though we physically die, we continue to live in and with God. This is our comfort and hope when we mourn the loss of a loved one.
Moment of Reflection: Have you experienced the need, “to turn our thoughts away from ourselves before we can give them to God”?
Prayer: I confess, Lord, I am often self-centered in thought and action. Strengthen me in my will to turn to you. Amen.
Saints Alive! is available HERE in print and Kindle versions.