Endings And Beginnings

   For the past several weeks, there have been relatively few funerals at our parish. They seem to come in spurts -- sometimes very few, sometimes many in a row.
   This is one of those weeks where there have been a few. Two funerals already and another one lined up for this Saturday.
   They have given me occasion to reflect upon the end of our days and the beginning of new days with God in eternity.
   And they fit so well into the season of Lent.
   After all, throughout this season we are called to examine our lives and see what areas in our lives need correcting. We are called to turn from sin and turn to God. We are called to be better each day by ridding ourselves of the things that distract us from seeing God all around us.
   We do not do all of that just because it is "the thing" to do.
   No.
   We do all of that so that we can prepare ourselves, ultimately, for the day when God calls us to Himself. On that day there will be a final reckoning and we are going to need to be ready.
   How have you used this season thus far? Has your Lenten journey made any difference in your life or are you just the same as when we began?
   If you need encouragement to use the season better, think about the three funerals I have had this week. For those three people, their chances to prepare on this earth are over. No more opportunity to make things right, to make things better, to turn from sin. For them it is now judgment and, hopefully, eternal glory with God.
   You still have the opportunity to change. You still have the opportunity to grow. You still have the opportunity to turn from sin and turn to God.
   But that opportunity may not last long.
   After all, any day, any hour, any moment may be our last.
   I do not write this to frighten you.
   I merely remind you of the seriousness of our time here on earth. Please -- use it well!