HomeArticlesDirect lineThe Question of Death

The Question of Death

How can I continue to believe in God despite the death of a loved one? (FJ.)

The death of a loved one is a blow that can change anyone’s life. Everything becomes relative and we all seek an answer to the meaning of life. Since the beginning of time, answers come from our humanity that looks beyond the merely tangible, and from religions that reveal the possibility of an afterlife, just as human beings yearn for.

Jesus faced humanity’s limitations and paid for them in an atrocious way, but came out victorious though his resurrection. So in times of desolation, faith can bring comfort and save us from despair.

God is love and believers can somehow get over the death of a loved one by really loving others around them. Often the news of another’s death comes with remorse on our side for not having truly loved the deceased person. But our continuing to believe in God is also believing in His mercy, and the love or forgiveness of your beloved one who has passed away. This love really transcends all boundaries, so the more we believe in God-love, the more we’ll be able to overcome the pain of separation.

In front of the body of my mother, I remember feeling vividly her presence beside me, and so I cherish the memory of a loving relationship with her that has been renewed, and am consoled by the thought she has gone ahead of me to another place where we will meet again.

We can talk to young children about death, with the belief in an afterlife where we will all be reunited someday. Often behind the mystery of death, which young people do not think of, lies fear; we are worried about what will happen when we are no longer around. The thought of a gGd made man who has lived and died like us, but has also risen, is consoling. Even our prayer request to Mary, “Now and at the hour of our death” can assure us of Christ’s presence in that moment!

However, there are heart-breaking separations and deep sufferings such as the loss of a child or a lifetime companion which are truly difficult to get over. Only those who have lived through a similar experience can understand it. Even Jesus had cried out, “why have you forsaken me?” Before such agony, I try to be close to people and yet observe a respectful and consoling silence, for only He alone can fill their void and illuminate the darkness within them.

Yes, how indeed can one continue believing in a good God after the death of a loved one, especially a tragic death? what can be helpful is to cherish those moments that we had lived together because those moments of mutual love never pass away and last forever. Yet days may come when we may forget our many ideals and spend several moments reeling in pain. This is precisely what we must avoid. Sooner or later, one must get up and start over again. why not do it sooner? We should not allow ourselves to wallow in despair and let this moment discourage us, for life has to go on.

What each of us must understand, though this may be difficult, is that death is but a part of life. Thus, we have no reason to blame death on forces greater than us. Sooner or later, heart will cease to beat, but we must not view that moment with sadness and fear alone…

When I myself go through a depression, I repeat the phrase and try to convince myself of it, that at the end, life is a mission. Each of us has been sent on earth to help others, in one way or another. Death must be viewed as the achievement of one’s own mission, and therefore, also the triumph of that mission. Our task has been accomplished, so it is only natural to look forward to a well-deserved victory: heaven.

There is no reason for us to stop believing in God. Doing this will not heal our resentment over the death of a loved one. Only faith in God will enable us to live better during awful situations that call for inner strength.

Marina Gui, Marco D’ Ercole, Jenni Bulan and Fr. Am Mijares

DONATE TO NEW CITY PRESS PH

New City Press Philippines offers all its articles for free; we would appreciate a small donation to help us continue serving you with relevant content.

For donations please click the donate button. 

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here


Must Read