Death is a scary subject for most of us

By Msgr. Pedro Lopez-Gallo

I intend to write a series of articles about the last rites and a subject which makes most of us fearful: terminal illness and death. It is a matter we prefer not mentioning in conversation, as if silence will halt it from happening, and even though any one of us could face illness and death very suddenly.

On the grounds of the minor seminary I attended in Spain there was a cemetery which, to me, was very beautiful. Besides the tall cypress trees, bougainvilleas, and a variety of flowers, there were many sculptures and inscriptions, most in Latin. Visitors felt almost obliged to meditate upon them. I remember one in particular: Hodie mihi, cras tibi: Today (it happened) to me, tomorrow to you."

From that time, early in my life, the subject of death never left my mind. One of my favourite spiritual books is St. Alphonsus Liguori's Preparation for Death. I did not want to die in Spain, far away from my family, or while touring in Cambodia or Afghanistan, but dying in Rome, Mexico, or Vancouver while serving as a priest would be fortunate because it would be more handy for receiving the sacrament of the anointing of the sick.

I believe our faithful need to know more about this important sacrament. Whether because they are fearful of death or perhaps believe that an incurable sickness won't happen to them, they are not prepared when suddenly they are in intensive care after a serious accident or a massive heart attack.

The sacrament of the anointing of the sick was, and, popularly, at least, still often is called the last rites or extreme unction. The new Code of Canon Law places the anointing of the sick after the sacrament of penance, because they both heal the soul and body.

From the beginning, the Gospels describe Jesus's ministry as the Divine Healer: "He went about proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing all kinds of diseases and sickness (Mt. 4:23). He intentionally passed this mission on to His apostles: "As the Father has sent Me, I also send you" (Jn. 20:21).

Suffering and illness have always been a great concern for the Church. In the catacombs of the early Christians, graffiti, sculptures, and funeral stones impart vivid memories of the beloved who have passed away, with palms, doves, and signs of the resurrection.

Before we attain the joy of the eternal reward, sickness and death are an obligatory tunnel we must traverse. The first Christians learned from Jesus that sickness has a precious meaning and value for their own salvation and that of the world.

Many of these pioneers in the faith were witnesses to how deeply Jesus was afflicted by the diseases and death of the people. Certainly they preserved memories of the little girl who was given her life again by the Divine Healer when her mother implored His pity. I imagine that they told their children of the joy they experienced witnessing those wondrous miracles.

Children always like hearing bedtime stories. What enthusiasm the lepers must have expressed to their children: "My little baby, I was sick, all my skin was rotten and putrid; I was obliged to live in a grotto with other lepers, and Jesus cured me. Look, I can touch you, caress you, kiss you. How good Jesus was to me."

Yes, the Lord showed great concern for the bodily and spiritual welfare of the sick, and He commended his apostles to do the same.

St. James wrote: "Are there any who are sick among you? Let them send for the priests of the Church, and let the priests pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick persons, and the Lord will raise them up; and if they have committed any sins, their sins will be forgiven them" (James 5:14-15).

Since then, the Church has never ceased to assist the sick by the anointing and prayers of priests. Nothing could be better preparation for this than a fervent prayer I like to recite frequently, which I am sure you know by heart:

Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, heal me.
Blood of Christ, drench me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesus, hear me.
In Your wounds, shelter me.
From turning away, keep me
From the evil one, protect me.
At the hour of my death, call me.
Into your presence lead me,
To praise you with all your saints,
Forever and ever. Amen!

Msgr. Lopez-Gallo's columns are available in two volumes for $20 each from St. Andrew's Church Supply, 305 W. 8 Ave. in Vancouver, toll-free 1-800-663-7161. Proceeds will go to Hogar de Nazareth Orphanage in Mexico, which he sponsors.