Wednesday, May 17, 2023
“For we don’t live
for ourselves or die for ourselves. If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if
we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the
Lord.” (Romans 14:8, New
Living Translation)
If it is the first one, we might
fill the day with a whole new optimism, seek out a fresh start, resolve to be a
better, happier, more whole person. Begin to check things off our bucket list.
Resolve to renew and heal relationships. Take care of ourselves, spiritually,
emotionally, mentally, physically. Put the past behind us and move forward with
a renewed confidence and high expectations.
If it is the second one, we might
fill the day with the things that are meaningful or the people who are most
precious and valued. We might take the time to reflect back on our past and
appreciate the joy, the satisfaction, the accomplishments, either big or small,
that have filled our lives with purpose. We might want to make amends with people
we have hurt. We might want to take in one more sunset, have one more favourite
meal, have one more walk with our beloved dog. But we know the day is special
and needs to be lived to the fullest.
What has got me to thinking
about this is another visit to see a patient who was at the end of her life at
our hospital. I was the on-call chaplain on Monday. I would say that when I get
called, it is a very rare exception that it is not an end-of-life scenario. It seems
that it is almost always just that. Family and friends have asked for a
chaplain, even if they, the family, have very little faith background. Perhaps their
loved one once was a more active Christian, but even then, not always. It
almost intuitive, it seems, that this occasion calls for some sort of spiritual
care.
It is very humbling to be called
into such a situation. The best I can offer is a prayer for the patient who is
usually not conscious and for the family who are already grieving. I feel very
inadequate sometimes, trying to find the right words for this sacred moment.
Yet, almost always, after the prayer, the Spirit seems to have touched the family’s
lives in some manner. I can usually sense a spirit of peace or comfort or acceptance
at the bedside. I am never there for very long and I can only hope and pray
that the family has found some solace in the words spoken.
Paul’s words have nothing much
to do with end-of-life scenarios. He has been challenging his readers to get
over themselves and to get along. Quit being so judgmental. It’s not about oneself
but how one gets along with others that matters more. Verses 7 to 9 seem almost
an insertion into his line of thought. Off topic. But I suppose he is saying that
each of us is a part of bigger picture. You or I are not individually the
centre of the universe. We are part of a community. We are enmeshed in a brotherhood
and sisterhood of relationships with Christ at the very core of it all. “Christ died and
rose again for this very purpose—to be Lord both of the living and of the dead.” (v.9)
When we extrapolate these verses
to honour those who have died, we are saying that all of life and death is embraced
by the Love of God through Jesus Christ. We are proclaiming that all of life
and death happens within a fellowship that exudes and is committed to that
Love. We are never alone, neither in life nor in death. We embody the life that now is and is yet to
come in hope.
We live both as if this is the first day of our lives and yet also as if
it is the last day of our lives. We live for Christ’s sake and for one another’s
sake. We live that if we were to die today, we may have confidence that our
home will be with God. Our lives will be filled with works of Love today so
that God’s Love welcomes us in his New Reality in some tomorrow.
“Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this
fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those
who are perishing.” (2 Corinthians
2: 15, NLT)
It makes me see this day just a little differently.
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