Death and Afterlife 2 - How do you think about death?

How do most of us think about death? We either think of it as the end of existence or a mystical transition to an unknown spiritual realm. We try to ignore this subject, hiding from reality. We are occasionally forced to deal with it when a relative or loved one dies. Many Christians in the West don’t even have a formal funeral, but erroneously dispose of the body in a crematorium, and then later hold a party like celebration of life. This is a way many separate themselves from this harsh reality, putting full focus on life. We act as if our success in this life is the only thing important. We try accumulate things and wealth. But, when the time comes for death, what was the use of all our activities, awards and collections? 

Let’s reflect on the parable that Jesus taught about the rich man and his barns. Jesus some saying,

"The land of a rich man brought forth plentifully; and he thought to himself, `What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?' And he said, `I will do this: I will pull down my barns, and build larger ones; and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, be merry.' But God said to him, `Fool! This night your soul is required of you; and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?' So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. (Luke12:16-21)

So why was this man a fool? He is like most of us who see death as something to be ignored. After all it only happens to others. We live unaware of the true purpose of life. Is our aim not death that is in realty life, and the transition to an eternal life with Christ? Why do we act like the rich man and live ignorant of this truth? Why do we fear death?

Note: Orthodox Christians do not Cremate or offer celebrations of life, but offer a beautiful sacramental service in the Church with age old prayers for the journey of the soul.