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162 • Part I. The Creed: The Faith Professed
It is in regard to death that man’s condition is most shrouded in
doubt. Man is tormented not only by pain and by the gradual
breaking-up of his body but also, and even more, by the dread
of forever ceasing to be. But a deep instinct leads him rightly to
shrink from and to reject the utter ruin and total loss of his per-
sonality. Because he bears in himself the seed of eternity, which
cannot be reduced to mere matter, he rebels against death. All
the aids made available by technology, however useful they may
be, cannot set his anguished mind at rest. They may prolong his
life-span; but this does not satisfy his heartfelt longing, one that
can never be stifled, for a life to come. . . .
The Church, taught by divine Revelation, declares that God
has created man in view of a blessed destiny that lies beyond the
limits of his sad state on earth.
—GS, no. 18
PRAYER
May you live in peace this day, may your home be with God
in Zion,
with Mary, the Virgin Mother of God, with Joseph and all the
angels and saints . . .
May you return to [your Creator], who formed you from the
dust of the earth . . .
May you see your Redeemer face to face.
—Prayer of Commendation,
Rite of Commendation of the Dying, no. 220
•
I am not dying. I am entering eternal life.
—St. Thérèse of Lisieux