14th November.  A priest shared with the group about his experience with ministering to those approaching death.  Some seem so afraid, some seem to hold back even though their condition is terminal. Nowadays there is discussion about assisted suicide especially when pain becomes too much to bear.  “But,” he said, “I have found that helping people to die in peace may well include healing of relationships, dealing with unfinished business and making things right with family members.  When this has been done they are ready to go in peace. Families should understand that this can happen and speak about death when they can.  Preparing the dying as well as those being left behind are a special form of family ministry.” 

Reflect, share, Scripture.   The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God and no torment will ever touch them. In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died and their departure was thought to be an affliction and their going from us to be their destruction, but they are at peace. Wisdom 2: 23 -3:9. Pope Francis: If we accept death we can prepare ourselves for it. The way is to grow in our love for those who walk at our side until that day, when death will be no more, mourning and crying and pain will be no more. AL258.    Action and prayer:  Remember in prayer the needs of those preparing for death and those who will be left behind.