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For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

– Jeremiah 29:11

The end of life can be scary. It is a time that can expose us to new depths of vulnerability, uncertainty, and difficult questions. How do we live it well? Where do we find the peace and security we desire on a road we will all one day travel? 

Whether we are facing a terminal diagnosis, discerning end-of-life care, or supporting a loved one in the last chapter of life, we find the strength to live it well by placing our trust in God. Both in life and in death, God has a plan for each of us. God has revealed Himself as Emmanuel, God-with-us. Whatever the end of life may bring, we are never alone. Love Himself will be with us, to strengthen, guide, and light our way forward.

At the end of life, we stand in the vestibule of heaven. It is a sacred time.

It is a time of preparation for the moment we definitively return to God. As we look to the Lord of Life, we discover that the only adequate and sustaining answer to death, dying, and the dying person is love. Love is the gift we are called to give, live and receive. When we turn to Him, we discover a love that will never abandon us, be with us in the heart of our sufferings, and give us the strength to endure in a way true to ourselves and those around us.

Treating the Whole Person

Best care at the end of life integrates the gifts of science and medicine, sound ethics, and the art of love to support a peaceful and dignified death. Christian values aren’t a burden to the person facing the end of life, but rather inspire the care and creative love that reverently treats the whole person, effectively alleviates pain and suffering, brings peace and hope to dying individuals, and supports families and caregivers in the courageous task of loving to the end.

Watch Sr. Mariae Agnus Dei, SV talk about treating the whole person: an integrated approach to the end of life

The Christian View of Death and Dying

Through the mystery of our redemption, the Christian view of death and dying invites us to consider the truth, hope, and beauty to be found at the end of life. Regardless of our circumstance, as we cling to Christ, every passion and death we endure will pass into resurrection. Whatever our final passion may call us to, Love Himself has gone before us and will be there to live it with us. We don’t have to imagine our future without the abiding presence of a God who is love.

Watch Sr. Jordan Rose, SV talk about the Christian view of death and dying

The Sacred Gift of the Person

Every human life is sacred to God. Every moment of life has meaning and purpose. God alone is the Author of life. As we look to God the Father with trust, dependence, and hope we find the peace and security we thirst for in the uncertainties and vulnerabilities that confront us at the end of life. He who has called us is faithful and will be with us to the end.

Watch Sr. Jordan Rose, SV talk about the sacred gift of the person at the end of life

The Christian Meaning of Human Suffering

As we journey through this life, we don’t have to go far before we experience suffering. Whether spiritual, physical, emotional, psychological, or otherwise, we draw back from suffering and cry out for resolution and remedy. As we bring the question of suffering to God the Father, we discover the answer that satisfies: Jesus Christ. Jesus went to depths of all the suffering life can find and redeemed it on the Cross. He linked love to suffering. With Christ, we know our suffering doesn’t have to be a meaningless empty path, but rather, one full of the potential to be drawn into new depths of spiritual maturity, and into the life of Christ Himself.

Watch Sr. Marie Veritas, SV talk about the Christian meaning of human suffering

Vulnerability and Compassionate Presence

Whether we are facing the end of life or walking with another in that journey, the questions and trials that can arise often bring about a deep experience of vulnerability. Vulnerability isn’t something to fear. It is part of our human condition. When lived in reverence and love, vulnerability becomes a gift that can build bridges to meaningful connection, open persons to new depths of communion, and fill one’s last days with tremendous value and blessing.  At the end of life, love is what the dying person needs most. Love, in and through the gift of compassionate presence,  is something every family, spouse, brother, sister, friend or neighbor can give another at the end of life.

Watch Sr. Mariae Agnus Dei, SV talk about vulnerability and compassionate presence

The Freedom to Love

The gift of freedom has been entrusted to each of us by God, to reveal the greatest truth of our lives: Love! Love is our origin, identity and destiny. Love is the meaning of our lives. Love is the only proper response to the human person. The End of Life is the time to testify to the great love we are all called to give and receive, reveal the profound dignity of human life, and answer the great call to love each other to the end.

Watch Sr. Marie Veritas, SV talk about our freedom to love

The Sisters of Life currently serve the dignity of the human person at the end of life through prayer and evangelization. If you are seeking direct pastoral or medical care at the end of life, consider these resources, or connect with the programs offered in your local diocese.

RESOURCES

Looking for a health care proxy form?
LIFE OFFICE NYC
Need guidance in making an ethical medical decision?
(215) 877-2660 
NCBCENTER
Interested in learning more about Catholic end-of-life ethics?
CATHOLIC END OF LIFE
Considering the best type of care for yourself or a loved one?
PALLIATIVE CARE

We don't have to imagine

our future

without the abiding presence

of a God who is Love.

WITNESS

ARTICLES

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. - John 1:5