The Hopeful Reality at Death

“The day is coming soon Father. When I am going to get there (I Hope) I have strived all my life to respond to the gifts of my Baptism. To live who I am called to be. I’ve asked forgiveness when I have fallen short. And, I have set myself on it again. But the day is coming soon father and I hope that I am invited into that Kingdom. And I am looking forward to tapping Barb on the should telling her to move over and standing next to her gazing upon the Lord for all eternity and singing His praise” – Bob Iafolla

Paraclete

Loved this article from Aleteia

In a brief letter released February 8, Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI gives a further response to the report on sexual abuse in the Archdiocese of Munich, Germany, including during the few years that he was archbishop there.

While the letter has various deeply piercing reflections, it also includes a brief remark about Benedict’s preparation for death. His reflection can serve in our own preparation for the day that will one day come to all of us, when we go to stand before the Creator.

The 94-year-old writes:

Quite soon, I shall find myself before the final judge of my life. Even though, as I look back on my long life, I can have great reason for fear and trembling, I am nonetheless of good cheer, for I trust firmly that the Lord is not only the just judge, but also the friend and brother who himself has already suffered for my shortcomings, and is thus also my advocate, my “Paraclete.” In light of the hour of judgement, the grace of being a Christian becomes all the more clear to me. It grants me knowledge, and indeed friendship, with the judge of my life, and thus allows me to pass confidently through the dark door of death.