“You belong to this world, but I do not belong to this world. That is why I told you that you will die in your sins. For if you do not believe that I AM, you will die in your sins.”” – John 8:23-24
I almost got into a car accident one time and I remember being really shocked after it happened because I realized my life could have been in danger. It was a stark reminder of my own mortality; that I am of this world and my time living in it could end at any moment. Am I prepared to face that reality?
It’s easy for me to lose track of what really matters when I am too focused on school or work but I always end up realizing the importance of my faith sooner or later. As Jesus says in this passage, if we believe in Him, we will be saved from our sins and if we don’t, we will die in them. Every time I am finished with making a confession, I feel a great sense of relief for this reason: I know in my heart that He has forgiven me and has invited me to be saved in Him.
Let us always remember the phrase “Memento Mori,” that death is inevitable, not as a sign of despair, but as a reminder to live our lives believing in God and following Him even when times are hard so that we may prepare ourselves for His kingdom.
Dear God, this Lent, allow us to partake in the Holy Sacrament of Penance so that we may be forgiven of our sins and live in communion with you. Amen.
— Anonymous