"In whatever you do, remember your last days, and you will never sin" (Sir 7:36). In this last week of the Church year, let us remember our last days. As we think of our deaths, the Lord will give us the grace to overcome sin and death, the wages of sin (Rm 6:23).

Like King Belshazzar, will you die under the influence of alcohol? (Dn 5:2) Or will you die under the influence and lordship of Jesus? Will you die with your "face blanched," "thoughts terrified," hip joints shaking, and knees knocking? (Dn 5:6) Or will you die as you confidently and courageously speak words of wisdom from the Holy Spirit? (Lk 21:14-15) Will God's last words to you be MENE, TEKEL, and PERES -— words of doom and division? (Dn 5:25ff) Or will King Jesus say to you on your dying day: "Come. You have My Father's blessing! Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world"? (Mt 25:34) Will you die watching TV? Or will "Sister Death" come to you after you have received Viaticum, your last Holy Communion preparing you for the road home to our Father in heaven? If you are ready for the Lord, "then will the saying of Scripture be fulfilled: 'Death is swallowed up in victory.' 'O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?' " (1 Cor 15:54-55)

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, March 22, 1997

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 26, 1997