There is a book written by Sr Joyce Rupp, titled Praying Our Goodbyes in Life. She says in the book that life is short, and swift and nothing is permanent. Life revolves around two things – hellos and goodbyes. Hence she says, there will always be grief in the goodbyes of life. That is why we always have to pray for our goodbyes in life.

In the Gospel, Jesus tells his apostles, “When you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near.” Yes, one of these days, this earthly kingdom will pass away but not God and his words. 

That is why if all things come to an end, three things we can do:

1. Proper disposition of material things. We came into this world with nothing, we are leaving this world with nothing. Hence, we pray that we may be good stewards of all the blessings of the Lord. Material things are given to us so that we can use them in blessing others as well. On the other hand, hopefully, it is not a source of broken relationships.
2. Eternal Life. We Catholics believe that after death, there are three possible places or states: Heaven with God and all the angels and saints, Purgatory for cleansing, and Hell, not accepting the Love of God. Also, eternal life does not start when we die. It starts now in how we live our life which is eventually going to be judged by Jesus.
3. Help us to see death for what it really is. One of the biggest fears of man is death. We think it is the end. Yet, the most meaningful death is when we know that a person is very much prepared. This can happen if the person has lived a meaningful life. 

May we always remember the words of St. Philip Neri who said, “I prefer heaven.” And the best way to prepare for this is also when he said, “Treat each day as if it were the last day of your life.”