The thought of death used to terrify me. I was so consumed with my life and what I wanted out of it that the idea that I could die at any time was too horrifying to consider. Yet just because I refused to think about it didn’t mean that time would stop for me! It wasn’t until I had a personal encounter with Jesus, and my gaze began to shift from the things of the world to the things of heaven, that the fear of death began to dissipate. Because I trust in God’s mercy, I don’t fear death as I once did. How could I, when Jesus has conquered death and made it the path to new life? As I continue on this difficult path of sanctification, I often consider my own death so that I will be ready when that day inevitably arrives.

The world tries to keep us distracted with its glitz and glamor: “You need this product, job, diet, entertainment, vacation, relationship, etc., and then you’ll be happy.” When we keep our eyes trained on whatever is in front of us, like a horse with blinders on, it prevents us from coming to terms with the very real and eternal consequences of the decisions we’re making. There are plenty of things that may not be evil in and of themselves, such as our careers, relationships, hobbies, or possessions, but they can become idols that consume us. We can become so focused on these things that we forget they are only temporary and can quickly disappear.

As we begin this Month of Remembrance and pray for the dead, it is healthy and good for us to remember with hope and anticipation that our own death awaits us. It could be years from now or it could be today. Since we do not know when we will face death, we should do our best to live as if every day is our last by keeping our eyes focused on heaven. Let’s also pray for the poor souls in Purgatory who await union with God. When we keep our death ever before us, we live differently. And when we trust in Divine Mercy and are determined to get up every time we fall, we have nothing to fear.

This article originally appeared in Renewal Ministries’ November 2025 newsletter.