Sudden death, die unprepared

. Frequency of these deaths. Young and old, poor and rich, men and women, of those who hear the sad announcement! In every place, at home, on the street, in the squares, in the church, in the pulpit, at the altar, sleeping, watching, amid the revelations and sins! How often this terrible passage is repeated! Can't it touch you too?

2. Teaching of these deaths. Here are the warning words of the Redeemer: Be prepared, that the Son of man will come at the hour when you do not expect it {Luc. 12. 40); watch, because you know neither the hour nor the day (Mt 24, 42); it will be like a thief who surprises you (II Petr 3, 10), If this is not enough, experience warns us to be prepared, by showing us so many sudden, lightning-fast deaths!

3. Death is sudden only for those who want it. The evil of death does not lie in dying suddenly; but in dying unprepared, with conscience upset by sin! St. Francis de Sales, St. Andrea Avellino, died of an apoplectic stroke: yet, they are saints. For those who live in preparation for death, for those who maintain a clear conscience, for those who try to please God, at any time they die, death, although sudden, will never be unexpected. Think about yourself

PRACTICE. - Repeat throughout the day: Lord, set me free from unexpected death.