The Key to a Happy Death

Summary

In this thoughtful reflection, Father Mike Schmitz discusses the complexities of death and the importance of gratitude in facing it. He explains how those with abundant, fulfilling lives often struggle more with letting go due to the attachments they’ve formed. Father Mike emphasizes that life is a gift, not something owed to us, and that understanding this prepares us to face death with peace. He contrasts this perspective with ingratitude, which he describes as a serious sin. Ultimately, Father Mike speaks of grieving with hope, as Christians do, knowing that Jesus’ victory over death gives us the assurance of eternal life.

Takeaways

• 😀 Life is a gift, not something owed, and this perspective shapes how we approach both living and dying.
• 😀 People who live a long and fulfilling life are not necessarily better prepared for death, as they have more to let go of.
• 😀 Those who see life as a gift, rather than an entitlement, tend to approach death with more gratitude and less resentment.
• 😀 Gratefulness for life, even if it is short, can lead to peaceful acceptance of death, as seen in the example of a 15-year-old with gratitude for their 15 years of life.
• 😀 Resentment often arises in those who feel life owed them more, as exemplified by a great-grandfather who struggled with the loss of his life while looking at his newborn great-grandson.
• 😀 Gratitude for life should not depend on its length or what we feel we deserve, but on the understanding that every moment is a gift.
• 😀 Ingratitude is considered a severe sin because it involves returning evil for good, turning away from the gift of life rather than appreciating it.
• 😀 Viewing life through a lens of entitlement leads to a lack of gratitude and makes it harder to let go of life when the time comes.
• 😀 Grief is a natural response to loss, but Christians grieve with hope, knowing that Jesus Christ has conquered death for them and their loved ones.
• 😀 Even in grief, Christians can find hope, looking forward to the promise of eternal life with Christ, which transforms the way they experience loss.

Q & A

What is the central message Father Mike Schmitz conveys about life and death?

Father Mike Schmitz emphasizes that the perspective we hold about life—whether we feel owed our existence or see it as a gift—greatly influences our ability to let go at the end of life. He also discusses how those who view life as a gift are more prepared for death, filled with gratitude rather than resentment.

How does Father Mike Schmitz address the idea of living a long, fulfilling life and being prepared for death?

Father Mike Schmitz argues that living a long and fulfilling life does not necessarily make someone more prepared for death. On the contrary, the more abundant a person's life, the more they have to let go of, making it harder to say goodbye.

What role does gratitude play in Father Mike Schmitz's view of death?

Gratitude is central to Father Schmitz's perspective. He suggests that those who view life as a gift, rather than something they are owed, approach death with gratitude for the time they had, regardless of its length. Gratitude helps them let go peacefully.

What example does Father Mike Schmitz provide to illustrate the impact of perspective on facing death?

Father Schmitz shares the example of a 15-year-old who, despite having a short life, was filled with gratitude for the years they lived, in contrast to older individuals who faced death with resentment, feeling they had not lived enough.

Why does Father Mike Schmitz discuss the concept of 'ingratitude' in relation to death?

Father Schmitz discusses ingratitude to emphasize how harmful it is to view life as something owed to us. He explains that ingratitude is one of the worst sins because it involves returning evil for the good that we receive, such as the gift of life.

What does Father Mike Schmitz mean when he says that life is a gift?

When Father Schmitz says life is a gift, he means that every moment, every breath, and every experience is not something we are entitled to, but rather something graciously given to us, which should inspire deep gratitude.

How does Father Mike Schmitz differentiate between those who see life as owed to them and those who see it as a gift?

Father Schmitz differentiates by stating that those who believe life is owed to them are often resentful or unprepared to let go when it ends, while those who see life as a gift approach death with a heart full of gratitude and peace.

What is Father Mike Schmitz’s view on grief for Christians?

Father Schmitz acknowledges that Christians do grieve when a loved one dies, as grief is a natural response to love. However, he explains that Christians grieve differently, with hope, knowing that death is not the end but a transition to eternal life.

How does Father Mike Schmitz interpret Saint Paul's statement, 'We grieve but we do not grieve like those who have no hope'?

Father Schmitz interprets Saint Paul's statement as highlighting the Christian belief in hope beyond death. Christians grieve the loss of loved ones, but their grief is tempered by the hope of resurrection and eternal life through Jesus Christ.

What does Father Mike Schmitz mean by 'brokenheartedness full of Christ'?

Father Schmitz refers to 'brokenheartedness full of Christ' as the unique way Christians experience grief. While their hearts are broken by loss, they are also filled with gratitude, hope, and the presence of Christ, who conquered death and offers eternal life.