I recently watched an interview with Jonathan Roumie ("The Chosen") and learned that he carries with him a reminder of death.
Known by the Latin phrase "memento mori" which means "remember death," the skull ring he carries doesn't reveal some strange obsession with death, but a reminder that we will all die someday and this should direct how we live.
In the Catholic tradition, this month especially, we call to mind and pray for our loved ones who have died. We visit cemeteries and remember the dead often.
I seem to be reminded of death everywhere I look lately. I am reminded of the shortness of our life here and the blessed, endless length of eternity. We do not need to be afraid of death, as the life and resurrection of Jesus shows us.
I've heard it said that most people are not afraid of death, but of dying. There is a tendency to fear the process that gets us there. We fear the grief and the possibility of enduring pain. Saying goodbye to our loved ones, if given the opportunity.
In the midst of all of this, I came across a video by two of my favorite podcasters--Dawn Hausmann and Karen Ervin.
Recently, they posted on Facebook a great reminder that as we watch our seasons change--from fall into winter--the beauty of the earth reflects "movements of change that happen in creation." That "All Saints Day and All Souls Day is the change from this life into heavenly life."
If you are on Facebook, be sure to check them out.
As we move into November, cherish the beauty of today as you anticipate tomorrow, but most of all, fear not!
Janet Cassidy
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at: jmctm2@gmail.com
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