Mention the word, “Death” and many people are not comfortable. Someone offers a “memorial plan” or an insurance policy in case we pass away, and we become uncomfortable. One family member mentions fixing the estate, and we become uncomfortable.

Once, as seminarians, we were asked to write our own Eulogy. Initially, it drew uneasy laughter. It is always scary to confront oneself. It can be daunting that there is still a lot of unfinished business in life. Yet, after the exercise, it felt like there was still so much to be done in life. At that point, death felt only secondary, and it was living a fulfilling life that mattered.

The Gospel often gives us secrets of a fulfilling life. A seed can only bear fruit if it dies to the ground. There are people in history who have started movements and revolutions because of their deaths.

In our everyday lives then, there are three things we can avoid dying from so that our lives bear fruit.

1. Selfishness. Especially nowadays, we live in a “me” generation – my home, my music, my money, my car, my movie…. It is all about me. While this attitude may entertain us, it does not bring true joy. Eventually, there will be a desire for more.
   
2. Convenience. Many of us aspire for an easy life. Hence we do not want to get involved. Then again, one will be confronted with meaningless and restlessness. “Is this all there is to life?” How true are the words of the Tagalog Song, “Walang sino man ang nabubuhay para sa sarili lamang.”
   
3. Security. Since life is uncertain and ever-changing, we want to be secure. Hence, the accumulation of material possessions. However, there will come a time when we will realize that Someone else is in control. And yes, He can be trusted.

On your own free time, I invite you to do a little reflection. Please write your own Eulogy. How would you want your spouse, sibling, nephew, niece, or best friend to remember you? We will realize that it is indeed in “dying”, that we find life.