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Life is fragile. We are here one moment and gone the next. There have been several recent airplane crashes in the news. The tragic collision between an American Airlines flight and a U.S. Army helicopter over Washington, D.C. is a sobering reminder of just how quickly everything can change. Those aboard were only seconds from landing, safely returning to the ground—and then, in an instant, they were gone. No goodbyes. No final words. Just an abrupt transition from life to eternity. It is in moments like these that we must ask ourselves: Are we ready?
As Christians, we are called to live in a state of readiness, not out of fear, but out of love and obedience to God. James 4:14 reminds us, “you have no idea what your life will be like tomorrow. You are a puff of smoke that appears briefly and then disappears.” If our time on earth is so brief, shouldn’t we spend every moment wisely, ensuring our souls are in order and our relationships reflect Christ’s love?
One of the greatest tragedies in sudden death is the loss of unspoken words. How often do we let small grievances keep us from saying, “I love you”? How frequently do we assume there will be another opportunity to mend a broken relationship? The truth is, we are never guaranteed another conversation, another embrace, or another chance to say, “I forgive you.”
We must live with hearts unburdened by regret, making a habit of speaking love and kindness into the lives of those around us. Ephesians 4:26-27 instructs us, “do not let the sun set on your anger, and do not leave room for the devil.” Holding onto bitterness or resentment is not only a burden on our hearts, but it also risks leaving things undone should we be called home suddenly.
Beyond our earthly relationships, the most pressing question we must answer is whether our souls are prepared to meet Jesus face to face. Have we surrendered our lives to Him? Have we sought His mercy and forgiveness? Have we lived in a way that reflects His love and truth to the world? Death is not the end, but a doorway into eternity. And what awaits us on the other side depends entirely on whether we have trusted in Christ as our Savior.
It is easy to become distracted by the busyness of life—careers, responsibilities, entertainment—but none of these will matter when our time comes. The rich and the poor, the famous and the forgotten, the powerful and the weak—all will stand before the Lord. Matthew 25:13 warns us, “Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” The sudden tragedies of life are not meant to paralyze us with fear, but to awaken us to the reality that we must always be prepared.
Yet, this truth is not meant to be a weight upon our shoulders; it is a call to live with joyful purpose. When we know our eternity is secure in Christ, we can live each day fully. We can love freely, forgive easily, and cherish every moment as a gift from God. We can go to bed each night with peace, knowing that if we do not wake up on this side of eternity, we will open our eyes in the presence of our Savior.
So let’s not delay. Let’s examine our hearts, make amends where needed, and ensure that our souls are right with God. Let’s tell our loved ones how much they mean to us and never withhold the words, “I love you.” Life is fragile, but for those in Christ, eternity is secure. And when our moment comes—whether expected or sudden—we can face it not with fear, but with faith, knowing that we will be welcomed home by the One who loves us most.
Heavenly Father, please remove any fear of the unknown and the finality associated with death. I realize that it is only natural to dread the separation from loved ones and to fear the uncertainty regarding what lies beyond this life. Help me to overcome any of the emotional turmoil that accompanies death and leads to anxiety about my mortality and the fate of my soul after death. Help me to face death with a sense of peace, viewing it as a transition rather than a termination. Help me to always be ready to meet you face to face whenever you call me home. Allow my faith in Your Son Jesus Christ and my belief in His resurrection to provide the foundation for my hope, assuring me that death is not the end but a passage to eternal life with you Father. Amen
AMDG
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Please take a moment to share your thoughts about today’s message below.
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Thanks Brian,
I have been caregivers for my wife for the past 6 months. She has stage IV lung cancer and was admitted in hone hospice care in Sep. After 3 weeks she chose to leave hospice and seek immunotherapy treatment. She will have her 4th of 6 tomorrow.
She has gained back 10 lbs, is mobile and no longer uses oxygen.
I thanked her oncologist for helping her, he pointed upwards, saying it isn’t me, it’s him.
From the very beginning of her diagnosis, she gave her illness to our Lord. No matter the outcome I thank him for extending her life.
Lemoine
Hello dear friend. It has been too long since I was up there to put on a retreat for your parish. Praise God for your wife’s beautiful faith. May God our great physicians guide the doctors who are providing her care.
Brian
Perhaps more Christians should reflect longer on whether they should be asking for forgiveness vs. just offering to forgive.
Thank you for your submitting to God’s will and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit – so obvious by the impact of this message. Blessings to you and all who read/hear. I love you, my brother!
Many thanks Brian .
I love listening to your Message every day .
May God Bless you and give you the strength you need .
Be assured of my Prayers now and always
Sr. Mona
Thank you for your post and for you prayers. They are deeply appreciated!
Brian
Thank you for your powerful message. Please keep up the great work. Thank you and God bless you!
Sister
Thank you for your post. I’m glad you found this message beneficial.
Brian
Brian
My brother in law just got some bad medical news. Your thoughts are so comforting. Thank you for your help. Jim
Jim
I am sorry to hear this. May the Lord comfort and grant peace to him and his family. Perhaps everyone who reads this can offer a prayer for him.
Brian
Thank you Brian. You always put things in perspective for us. I’ve been doing a lot of reading about death lately and preparing for eternity. Have been going to confession monthly and have finally overcome some habitual sins. Your thoughts always provide inspiration to me.
Paul
Thank you for your post. Monthly Reconciliation is awesome. So many graces are imparted in that sacrament. I am glad that you are seeing progress and I am glad the Holy Spirit speaks to you through what I write.
Brian
Brian thank you for today’s message. It comes at a time when I need it most.
Jan
The Holy Spirit’s timing is always perfect!
Brian
This is so true. My SIL passed yesterday afternoon. She was in hospice where they gave her 24-48 hours as the prediction. Our Lord took her home at 23 3/4 hours. This was not enough time for her daughter to get there from Florida. It was hard, however, she had been with her Mom at Christmas for a few days.
Pat
May God comfort all those who are morning her loss.
Brian
Hey Brian
I think you were writing this for me
Sam
It is good to know that the the Holy Spirit often speaks to you and others through the words I write.
Brian