United States Catholic Catechism for Adults

162 • Part I. The Creed: The Faith Professed

MEDITATION It is in regard to death that man’s condition is most shrouded in doubt. Man is tormented not only by pain and by the gradual breaking-up of his body but also, and even more, by the dread of forever ceasing to be. But a deep instinct leads him rightly to shrink from and to reject the utter ruin and total loss of his per sonality. Because he bears in himself the seed of eternity, which cannot be reduced to mere matter, he rebels against death. All the aids made available by technology, however useful they may be, cannot set his anguished mind at rest. They may prolong his life-span; but this does not satisfy his heartfelt longing, one that can never be stifled, for a life to come. . . . The Church, taught by divine Revelation, declares that God has created man in view of a blessed destiny that lies beyond the limits of his sad state on earth. —GS, no. 18 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 . . . May you return to [your Creator], who formed you from the dust of the earth . . . May you see your Redeemer face to face. —Prayer of Commendation, Rite of Commendation of the Dying, no. 220 • I am not dying. I am entering eternal life. —St. Thérèse of Lisieux PRAYER