TRIALS AND DEATH

Trials are meant to prove your worthiness for the kingdom of God. But some are not too strong to withstand these tests either because of weakness of will, inadequacy of faith, attachment to this life on earth or, most serious of all, through wandering from the path of truth. Remove this cowardly and decadent state of mind.

Christ had informed us of these trials and warned us that they would increase as the end times approaches: "When these things happen, know that the kingdom of God is close at hand." Only those who wish to remain in this world will be frightened by these. The lovers of Christ will rejoice.

Be like Simeon. He was told he would not die before he had seen the Christ. Upon seeing Mary and the child, he knew he would die. Yet he was filled with joy about his imminent death. "Lord, now allow your servant to depart in peace in accordance to your word, since my eyes have seen your salvation."

Our life on earth is made up of daily battles against the devil and all his instruments. It is a battle against the desire for wealth, against shamelessness, anger, ambition; against the vices of the flesh and the enticements of this world. This struggle is unremitting and exhausting. When one vice is overcome, another arises. Thus, when avarice is checked, lust arises; if anger is controlled, pride arises.

No wonder, with so many dangers for the soul, the saints desired and chose to die and quicken their journey to Christ.

With all the turmoil in the world, we should indeed rejoice when we or our loved ones leave this world. . .of course, assuming we have lived good lives. Thus, when Christ was about to leave and this saddened his apostles, He rebuked them: "If you really love Me, you would rejoice since I am going to the Father." The apostle adds, "To me, to live is Christ and to  die is gain." The gain is to be free from the chains of this life, no longer exposed to sin and vices, to be free from tribulations and the jaws of the devil. 

St. Cyprian

(03-03-03)