Step 6: Remembrance of Death

“The remembrance of death … produces freedom from daily worries, and breeds constant prayer and guarding of the mind, virtues that are the cause and effect of the thought of death.”

--St. John Climacus

“’Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ‘Yes,’ said the Spirit, ‘Let them find rest from their labors, for their works accompany them.’”

--Revelation 14:13

In art, monks and mystics are sometimes shown holding human skulls.  This is to symbolize an important spiritual practice; the contemplation of death.  Far from being a morbid preoccupation, remembering that we are mortal, finite beings who will one day stand before our Creator and give an account of our lives is a healthy encouragement to make the most of the time that we have.

Turning on the nightly news provides us with countless reminders of how fragile life us.  They can drive a person to despair or they can drive a person to action.  I am not referring here to action in terms of confronting issues of violence, justice, or poverty that lead to death.  These are important and necessary.  But I am more concerned in the context of these devotions with actions that we can take to further our spiritual growth. 

As I mentioned above, the remembrance of death can spur us to ask healthy questions about how we are using the gift of our lives.  How much of what I do during the day is really of lasting significance?  How much do the things I worry and fret over really matter?  Have I been faithful to my family, my community, my calling as a Christian?  We will be held accountable for how we use our time on earth. 

Contemplating death also helps us to cherish life and those whose lives are so important to us.  And it reminds us that we are not all-powerful and self-sufficient.  Every day of breathing in and breathing out is a gift from God.

Prayer:

O God, teach us to count our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart, through Christ our Lord,  Amen.

St. John Climacus, pray for us.