On February 11, I turned 63 years old. Tempest Fugit, indeed. Now to some of you, I’m an old man, and to others, I’m the age of your own kids. Can’t avoid such facts. However, I was meditating on my mortality – a good thing to reflect upon once in a while – and I finally realized that however many more years, or days, the Lord has in store for me, I must ask myself some important questions (questions we should all reflect upon his faith for Christians).

• Am I a better man?
• Do I continue to mature in my Christian life?
• Am I praying enough, confessing, enough, loving enough?
• As I get closer to my final judgment, will I be found worthy of heaven?
• What does the Lord heaven store for me as both my body and mind continue to age?

To some, this seems too morbid. It shouldn’t be, for a practicing Catholic. No one likes to think about death or growing old, but neither of these can be avoided.

To make sure I’m on the right path, putting Christ in the center, and as the foundation of my life, is key. Our eyes will close on this world. This is a fact! Yet, while I live, do I live for the Lord, or for myself? The constant tension to be better than I am, to grow in the Lord, to see Heaven, can weigh heavily at times. My journey is no different than yours. We all have the same tensions and struggles. The key is to support each other, lending a helping hand when one can, and praying for each other.

Reflecting on our mortality is sometimes very necessary, as we grow spiritually. One thought that can help us to bear it more easily : we are never alone – God walks with us.  This truth is the best knowledge and reflection of all!