The Elegance of Christian Death

A November Reflection

By Fr. Frederick Edlefsen

“Go forth, Christian soul, from this world in the name of God the almighty Father, who created you, in the name of Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, who suffered for you, in the name of the Holy Spirit, who was poured out upon you, go forth, faithful Christian. May you live in peace this day, may your home be with God in Zion, with Mary, the virgin Mother of God, with Joseph, and all the angels and saints.”  (Prayer in the rite of “Commendation for the Dying”) 

Death is not the last word.  It is the supreme moment in life’s “forever”.  We should prepare for this.  Death is a metaphor for life’s most elegant and noble action – for oneself, for loved ones, and for the world.  Christ turned death into a free and life-giving art that says, “Let there be Light” (Genesis 1:3).   

To be near and with a dying person is an intimate privilege.  Their subtle gestures and groanings are a language hard to interpret.  The grief of witnessing death conceals a profound love.  Take the time so say a rosary, the Litany of Saints, or other prayers at the side of a dying person.  It makes their life’s supreme act more elegant – and life-giving – for the world. 

Usually, the dying person’s mind seems neither lucid nor penitent.  This does not indicate anything unholy.  We rarely understand or perceive the indications of grace or grief.  We must acknowledge and surrender to these dilemmas while comforting dying people with prayer and presence.

Call a priest in advance to administer the Last Rites.  Don’t wait until the last minute.  Last Rites consist of Absolution and Apostolic Pardon, Anointing of the Sick, and last Holy Communion (even if the person can receive only a fragment of the sacred host).   Once the Last Rites are given, let go. Make a cross on the dying person’s forehead.   Then take the dying person’s hand and gently place it into hand of Christ.  This is a great act of Hope.  Christ will personally accompany them through death’s tunnel into Eternal Light and Peace. 

For those of us left in the griefs of time, it’s best to say little or nothing – except to pray. 

“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.”