ST. FRANCIS DE SALES: “Do Not Fear what may happen tomorrow. The same loving Father who cares for you today will care for you tomorrow and everyday. Either he will shield you from suffering or will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, then, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginings."

My parents died a year apart, in 2000 and 2001. I know I will see them again in my eternal life.

@robertdelgadocapetillo8684

3 ай бұрын

That depends on you if you want to go to Heaven; read my post that I had posted a few minutes ago.

@wiwaxiasilver827

2 ай бұрын

Although you may hold a different belief from mine, best wishes to you, and I hope this life is fulfilling as well. I have no basis to claim absolutes over the future, but the present is present and I hope it treats you well.

Yes. I had late stage 3 cancer and brought me some dread. Also made me face it. More at peace now than ever and entering the church this year.

@56Tyskie

3 ай бұрын

God bless you

@susand3668

3 ай бұрын

Wow! Welcome home!! I have never regretted becoming a Catholic!!

@liabeachy

2 ай бұрын

Bless you ❤

@wiwaxiasilver827

2 ай бұрын

Hey… how are you doing at the moment? I just hope the cancer or the treatments aren’t being too harsh on you. What cancer is it? It may not always be all grim just because it’s late stage 3; it really depends on the cancer. I hope it is the type where we can still hope for a remission, though it may indeed be a hard journey. All aren’t over just yet. Hope you stay strong and have everything go well.

@crabbit.

2 ай бұрын

I did too. Glad you found the strength to face it. I’ve been in remission for a year now and still struggle to find the strength in hope and not despair. Update April 20, 2024: I am no longer in remission and my cancer has progressed to stage IV.

When my mother passed 24 years ago it was the day after she passed, she came to me in a dream, it was place so beautiful I was on one side mum was on the other there was this cobbled foot bridge and a lovely stream which I could hear , it was so peaceful my mum looked at me and said sorry for leaving, but she told me it was too late for her to come back; mum went home , she is in Heaven I miss her always but I will see Mum again

@kthmrc..3460

Ай бұрын

Canadianinuk. Hi glad I saw your comment. I was not anywhere nearby when my mom became ill in her final years . She has been gone almost 30 years. I have had to recently move in with relatives , who don't stop reminding me of my lack of decency, common failure. But you said how your mother is at peace and is at rest it's how my mom was, recently I had a calmness day dream about her and that she wishes me goodness and understands my strained absence from relatives. Thank you.

I have just recently been diagnosed with 2 kinds of cancer. I am facing death and always thought the I would be joyous as I will go to heaven. I am a little scared...and sad....that suprised me.

@susand3668

3 ай бұрын

My dear, I will pray for you. Dying is hard work. I know that I have felt sad too, when I thought I was going to die soon, and I, too, was surprised by the emotion... I guess we have to do our grieving some time, so we do it before we die, because we certainly will not be grieving after!! I expect to be in an agony of sorrow for my sins, and an ecstasy of joy to see His Face!!

@G-MIP

3 ай бұрын

🙏

@user-sv6on1rr3f

2 ай бұрын

I will pray for you The Divine Mercy Chaplet ❤

@wiwaxiasilver827

2 ай бұрын

Goodness… my deepest sympathies. It is alright to be afraid, or sad in such a circumstance. We can say whatever we want, that it is a test and whatnot, but it may be little comfort when we are hurting in the moment. It is alright to cry. I’m sure if your god exists and is truly merciful, your god will understand too. You don’t have to be stoic all the time. I will hope the best that the cancers will still yet respond to the due treatments, and even if not, that they or the palliative treatments do not cause more undue pain or torment. It is not wrong to be afraid or sad. We’re only human after all. I hope you have close friends and family to hold your hand through this…

@MisfitoX

Ай бұрын

It seems that, the closer an individual is to death, the more unreasonable he/she becomes. Your situation is not letting you see things straight. I ask many people, why do they think their existence is so important to the universe? why don't you just let it go? Why would anyone want to live for ever? What for?

I think everyone is afraid of death. Of course I am less so since I was very near death in 2016 and have gotten back into full practicing Catholicism (even returning to serving Mass for the first time since 1991). I had a personal encounter with Christ who told me to return to Mass.

@rodriguezelfeliz4623

3 ай бұрын

I was much more afraid of death when I was a catholic than know that I fon't believe in god

@patthompson8591

3 ай бұрын

That's great 😯. Please could you relate to us your encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ - I'd like to hear your testament. 😊.

@Anon.5216

3 ай бұрын

​​@@rodriguezelfeliz4623 Fear comes from the Devil. Now that he has deceived u he has withdrawn fear so he can fool u and get u into Hell.

@wiwaxiasilver827

2 ай бұрын

Intriguing. I’m glad you got to live. What was the experience like?

Of course I am afraid of dying… the process, pain, the loss of control, the vulnerability and weakness, the final agony. And I am afraid of my final judgment. But I also hope and trust in the Lord.

I was just thinking of this topic, then this video popped up. Recently I prayed to the Holy Spirit to enlighten me more in His own way. I believe this video is one of them.

THIS nearly brought me to tears. We need to talk more about resurrection. Because many, including many christians, seem not to know that there IS a Resurrection, or what it is.

Thank you for a wonderful sermon! My husband passed in 2017, my mom in 2007, and my "little" sister in 2021. I still miss all three terribly. And I know I'm not getting any younger. But I believe in the Resurrection, and this gives me peace. I hope I can grow in love for and trust in God, and somehow live in a way that pleases Him. I look forward to meeting Jesus, reuniting with my loved ones, and hugging everybody!

@whenpiratesattack

2 ай бұрын

I am praying for you today.

I was suicidal for a good couple of years, through this I lost my fearcof death, but through recovery I find how important life is. Death has a whole new meaning death is just the start of eternity, a life of praise to God. I live my llife now knowing that whst I do on this earth in the finite time on this earth I do it for God instead of myself, I aim daily to die to self and live in christ, i fail often but each day I come closer to that eternal kingdom.

Suffering is inevitable in life. Finding it’s meaning is our purpose

I recently had a patient dies unexpectedly. She was 88. The staff was upset, she was a favorite. I told the staff that I want to die like that. Go to sleep at night and wake up with Jesus. I felt that was a hopeful take on her death. I may be regarded as a weirdo by staff but it was the truth.

@susand3668

3 ай бұрын

Dear Carol, it seems to me that you are right where God wants you to be, soing just what He wants you to do!! Thank you!

I learned in RCIA that we can actually pray to our deceased family members in Paradise. When we pray the rosary, we proclaim the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Those who believe in Christ have no more reason to fear the grave than a tired man his bed.

I’m extremely scared of hell. My big brother committed suicide . I don’t think he was a person with faith. He had just recently suffered from depression. I served 30 years in the military and we had 2 suicides that affected me. Thank God Pope Frances said he thinks that hells is empty. I am blessed to go to confession tomorrow night. I try to go more. I have a touch of scruplesity . I trust in Christ and try to offer my physical and emotional pain up to God.

@cmm2145

3 ай бұрын

Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet for your brother. It is usually prayed using rosary beads. If you don’t know it, Google it. Suicide is a tough one. It is a mortal sin and can land a person in Hell forever. HOWEVER, God loves us all. He can read our hearts. Suicides are often affiliated with mental illness of some kind. God takes that into account. For a sin to be a mortal sin, 3 requirements must be met. 1. The act must be grave matter. Suicide is grave matter. 2. The person must know that it’s grave matter. We don’t know if he knew that or not. Even if he did know it, certain mental illnesses make it difficult to look at things logically and that can impair our ability to see sin for what it is. 3. The person must give full consent of the will. Again when mental illness is present it can mess with our ability to understand and consent. Also it can happen that a person can repent at the last second. I can’t tell you where your brother is. No one can. You can still pray for him and hope. I hate to have to say this but some of the things that Pope Francis says are in opposition to Catholic teaching. You can’t believe and follow everything he says. Hell is not empty. Jesus talked about Hell several times. He said “Strive to enter through the narrow gate. Many will try. Few will succeed.”The narrow gate is Heaven. It’s hard to get there. Jesus said “Wide is the path to destruction and many are those who travel on it.” He says other things too that indicate that the majority of people are very likely to end up in Hell. Hell is not empty. There aren’t just demons there. There are lots of humans who rejected God who are there.

@G-MIP

3 ай бұрын

@@cmm2145 Pope Francis has never taught heresy and you are guilty of grave sin, possibly mortal sin, for publicly stating this. Repent. Canon 1404,1373. The Pope only said he “hopes” hell is empty. He also was explicit in saying that what he said is not dogma. The Catechism also states that “we hope that all will be saved.” St. Faustina was told by Jesus that at the moment of death we are asked 3x if we love Him -and we only need to respond yes once. Depression definitely mitigates the potential sin of suicide. A person must meet all 3 conditions for sin to be mortal. Doubtful his brother met all 3. Randman should have the Seraphic Mass Association or Marians of Immaculate Conception do a Mass for his brother. Randman should also pray a Divine Mercy Chaplet for his brother. It takes 8 minutes and there is many promises for his brother by doing so. There are video on YT that walk you through the prayer. Randman - be at peace. Jesus desires our salvation more than us and will give every soul many opportunities to get to Heaven.

@susand3668

2 ай бұрын

My dear brother in Christ, a lot has happened to you, and I wish I could shoulder some of your pain, to make it easier to bear. So, a little bit of my experience -- more than one of my friends has attempted suicide, and been sent back. Each one has sworn they will never try that again! It is NOT the right way to go! I, too, grieve for those who were "successful." But I have a sense of great relief because of the friends who have been unable to kill themselves, and I hope it will be to you, also. I think those who were allowed to take their own lives -- those who are lost sheep, and overwhelmed felt trapped and alone -- are those who could not move forward in this life. God is God. He will not let His Little Ones destroy themselves. He is waiting on the other side of death for them. We who are still on this side of life can help them move towards the God they could not see when they were living on this earth. We can carry them in our hearts and pray for them and try for holiness in ourselves for their dear sake. And as you are Catholic, you can go to communion and receive the Living Bread of Heaven. It is like touching Our Savior, and letting His healing flow through us to those we carry in our hearts. And you will know that you are doing something for them now that you could not do for them when they were on earth. And I am praying for you too. Thank you so much for your service. It is truly an act of self-giving.

@Randman64

2 ай бұрын

@@susand3668 God bless you exceedingly and abundantly. You are a beacon of loving kindness and mercy in a harsh and cold world. Thank you so much for the wonderful and kind reply!!!

@susand3668

2 ай бұрын

Dear@@Randman64, thank you! I am so glad to be your sister!

In losing so many loved ones I was okay, I know I’ll see them again. But losing my godson at the end of November has shook me in a way I wasn’t prepared for. That was the moment I lost confidence in my pastor not in God. I needed guidance, I needed help in understanding why just as was getting his life back he was taken. It still hurts like hell but I had my moment of understanding (while getting his memorial tattoo) that I need to accept & know it’s what he needed & what God planned. That I’ll eventually see why, I need to be patient & let my grief be as it needs to be.

@grossepointemichigan

2 ай бұрын

Praying for you during this difficult time. Remember that Jesus boldly conquered death for us. You will find joy again.

@wiwaxiasilver827

2 ай бұрын

He lives through your remembrance. If he were alive, he would be sad to see you cry. Though it may be painful at times, you may find solace that as long as you live, there is at least one person to commemorate what a wonderful person your godson must have been for you to love and mourn for him so much. Warm wishes to you.

I miss my mom so much. The thought of seeing her again is everything to me. ❤❤

Beautiful message. My dad passed last year, at 98. A few months after his death I had a strange dream that he came to life at the morgue! He smiled at me and I took him for a short walk. After that I would get powerful dreams of him almost weekly and I would see mannerisms and things of his younger self, things I had long forgotten about - since he was not well for a couple of years before he passed. I was shocked at how much I remembered - but could never recall if I tried. After about a month or so, I had one last dream. He said not a word, but - oddly - it was like we had a very in depth conversation and I knew exactly what he was 'saying'.

Father, I am not so much afraid of death. I am afraid of continuing to live. I go to sleep many nights hoping that I won't wake up. Hoping that it'll all be over, that I'll be able to go away peacefully in my sleep.

@amandastjohn4735

3 ай бұрын

May God grant you His comfort.

@aname5102

3 ай бұрын

sounds like you need therapy.

@traditionalgirl3943

3 ай бұрын

Realize life is not about you; it is about God in Heaven and knowing, loving and serving Him. Stop trying to be happy. Just volunteer or something like that. Sounds like you have little to lose and everything to gain by helping the less fortunate. Dogs at shelters appreciate someone spending time reading to them. You could try that. 👍🙂✝️

@TCM1231

3 ай бұрын

My brother in Christ, I used to be in this exact situation, at times perhaps even worse than you have described here. I spent many hours curled up in the fetal position, wishing to be home when I was laying in my bed at home, a strange feeling. The Lord lifted me from these afflictions by His Grace, I do not know the method by which He accomplished this. I can council only prayer, fasting, and charity, along with faith, hope, and again charity. God Loves you, He will always welcome you to His table. Do not be afraid to take steps, for He has already carried the cross for us, and been crucified for us, the yoke is easy and the burden light, falling is okay, stumbling is okay, being tired is okay, wanting to give up is okay, a face full of mud, and a stomach full of gravel is okay, being spit upon is okay, being laughed at, being humiliated, being tortured, all okay, the only thing we must do is make it to Cavalry, and let our executioners do what they will. May God Bless you and keep you, guiding you always to His Son Jesus

@chwedl13

3 ай бұрын

​@@donijaya it's comforting if you are sure to end up in heaven but when you end up in hell swimming in sulfur of fire and no death happening again even if you wanted to...SCARY 😱😱😱

I'm excited about it. I'll be young again. No sickness, and no more tears, or sadness. So much peace. Heaven will be awesome. I'm looking forward to it.

While the death of loved ones will not make me lose my faith, I know I will not see everyone I lost. Not all my friends, family, loved ones are Christians. I might get to see them before the final judgment, but most will not join me in the new terrestrial Paradise and this saddens me.

@rossiele

3 ай бұрын

You can pray for them! Do you remember when Jesus forgave the sins of the paralyzed man because he saw the faith of the people who lowered him through the roof of the room where he was preaching? God works in mysterious ways, and maybe our prayers will obtain something. My children too don't have faith, but I keep praying for them...

@Laurelin70

3 ай бұрын

God is greater than our heart. Faith "declared" is not what He wants. Faith "lived", even unknowingky, is what He wants.

You have no idea how accurate was this video for our family situation right now. Our grandma died a week ago and it was a huge shock for us, because we just believed she would return home from the hospital. Her heart couldn't take it anymore. I was reading about the resurrection of all people one day, but didn't know more about it. And then, you were here with this video, saying that death was defeated when Jesus came to live again. The well-known "The last enemy to be destroyed is death" came to my mind. And then I could change my "I miss you so much" into "I can't wait to see you again." Thank you ❤

@grossepointemichigan

2 ай бұрын

Beautiful. Praying for you and your family.

I'm scared of not going to heaven and none of my children and husband going to heaven. Death is very sad to me because of the person missing - I dislike change a LOT. I'm scared of not making it to heaven because of my failures. I'm just scared of being in the group with the women who didn't bring enough lamp oil!

@susand3668

3 ай бұрын

Dear Denise, I understand. Are you Catholic? If not, can you find a Catholic church and become Catholic? Just for the comfort of knowing that Jesus Himself wants to make Himself small for you, just so that he can come to you in the Holy Eucharist, and you can be with Him every day at Mass? The other Catholic beliefs are icing on the cake. But just knowing that Love God has for you -- not just "spiritually", but BOTH spiritually and substantially! I think you would lose your fear -- His Love is perfect, and casts out fear.

@rossiele

3 ай бұрын

Denise, God loves you and knows that nobody is perfect. He knows we have failures and we commit sins. Just trust him and try to do the best you can; if you are Catholic go to Confession and this will help you..

@cazridley5822

3 ай бұрын

You aren’t alone in this I am so aware of my own failings and despite trying my very best have always felt I won’t be good enough to get into heaven. I was raised in a very traditional Irish family where my lack of measuring up to Gods love was always emphasised and that purgatory was the best I could hope for, even now at 53 I still think I’m not worthy of any of it.

@David77757

2 ай бұрын

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

@denisestover2416

2 ай бұрын

@@susand3668 Thank you for your advice. I am a "cradle Catholic." I love my faith - our faith! 🙂 Thank you for your support. God bless you!

I don't fear death itself, but whether I'm worthy of going into Heaven. Many loved ones have passed away in the past several years -- especially my sister, the closest person to me in my life. There's no doubt in my mind that she is in Heaven because she helped so many people in her life. My doubts for myself aren't about a lack of faith -- I believe God forgives all sins -- but whether that faith should show in outwardly ways, as in someone can infer from my actions that I'm a good person. In other words, it's the long debated issue of faith alone vs. faith AND works to be considered worthy of eternal life.

@patthompson8591

3 ай бұрын

Don't forget God in His purity cannot look at sin. Equally, Jesus said he who claims he does not sin is a liar. It follows therefore, most of humanity die with blotches on their souls, which need to be purged before they can stay in the presence of the purity of God's love & light. Where & how long will it take to purify the soil? Just my thoughts.

Death is just the start of a new adventure

@theguyver4934

3 ай бұрын

Just like biblical and historical evidence proves that jesus and his apostles were vegatarians biblical and historical evidence also proves that the trinity, atonement, original sin and hell are very late misinterpretations and are not supported by the early creed hence its not a part of Christianity I pray that Allah swt revives Christianity both inside and out preserves and protects it and makes its massage be witnessed by all people but at the right moment, place and time The secred text of the Bible says ye shall know them by their fruits So too that I say to my christian brothers and sisters be fruitful and multiply Best regards from a Muslim ( line of ismail )

@jozefhorvath7129

3 ай бұрын

@@theguyver4934 Can you provide a source?

I miss Mom, Dad, my son, my brother, and at 75, the rest of the list is getting longer. BUT, I look forward to one truly great reunion party when I get to heaven. Besides, I can and do talk to them all the time since they watch over and pray for us.

I am no longer afraid of death. I know I'm not that important and the world will keep going as if nothing happened when I'm gone... and I'm ok with that. I used to be afraid of death, when I believed in god and thought that there was a chance that I could exist for eternity while being punished in hell if I was not good enough. Or even worse, thinking that my loved ones who were "not good enough" were now suffering in hell for eternity. I am not afraid of death, just as I am not afraid of the time before I was born. I now know that the world does not revolve around me, or around human beings.... so death is not the end, it's just a break in a tiny branch in the huge tree of life.

@susand3668

3 ай бұрын

Well, I am sorry you feel that way. You must have been taught about a god that doesn't exist, the vengeful god of so many anti-Christian "faiths" (whatever they call themselves, their vengeful god is not Christian, not real, not the God of history and Resurrection!!) Hell exists. Don't get me wrong. But it is the state of being without life -- lacking all joy, all beauty, all wonder. Your little finger is more "real", in a sense, than Hell is, because it has a beauty in it, and a usefulness, a goodness. When you take a breath, the oxygen in the air is God-given. God loves the air, and He loves your finger, and He loves you. And He loves those you love far more than you do. Do not ever be afraid. God is tremendously GOOD, and He is overwhelmingly LOVE. And you are important to Him. You are important to me, and I will keep you in my heart and in my prayers. Please. Live.

I'm comfortable having a finite life, and magical alternatives aren't compelling, because mortality is difficult for some folks.

@analyticallysound2716

3 ай бұрын

I'm the same. Although I would hope to see my family again someday, I'm happy with the idea of living a good life and death being the end of a good story. Religions like Christianity and Islam give the possibility that my family members will be in agonizing torture for all eternity or perhaps I will be there and they will be in heaven. I cannot imagine a world where I or they can be happy knowing people I or they love are in perpetual torment and sadness.

@jakubratajczak9269

3 ай бұрын

So our lives are pointless? There is nothing after? Then why do you care about 'goodness' of your life, if you will not be there to care? I strongly believe we're here to learn to love, simple as that, and I'm a devout catholic. God is love and happiness. He created us to share in that. He's just, yes, but He's also merciful. Do you really believe such God would send your loved ones into hell? Were they bad people? Would you judge them to hell? Would they reject God, if He would reveal Himself on their deathbed? My God and my Lord Jesus Christ is so full of mercy, you cannot even begin to comprehend it. Believe in Him and trust Him with your loved ones and yourself. God bless you all!

@analyticallysound2716

3 ай бұрын

@@jakubratajczak9269 I don't see how there being no afterlife implies life is pointless. That's a pretty blatant non-sequitur.

@Laurelin70

3 ай бұрын

@icallysound2716 Because, without any transcendent meaning, "life, Universe and everything" ARE pointless. Only if you see life and world from your VERY limited and shortspan point of view you can attribute a meaning to them. But take some steps back and watch them a little broader in space and a little deeper in time. Watch the inevitable changes of life on Earth, the continuing evolution that will bring extinction very probably on our species too. Watch when the Sun, expanding into a Red Giant, will destroy the world. When not just life, but whole planetary systems and every star meet their end. And when the Universe will freeze to death while the inesorable Second Principle of Thermodynamics unfolds. In front of this cosmic dimension of Death, the thought that your life could have some significance, maybe for your descendants, maybe for your fellow humans, for the progress of humanity, or just for the sake of living things presently on Earth... tiny sparks in the darkness of space, mere instants in the billion and billion of years of the Universe's existence... THAT is a blatant non-sequitur.

@faithlesshound5621

4 күн бұрын

@@analyticallysound2716 There are more than two alternatives. Many people see death as "The End." One religious view is that death is followed by either heaven or hell. Another is that death will be followed by rebirth in some form or another. Priests, rabbis and mullahs don't generally favour that idea, but it has always had its supporters.

I am Christian and believer. The thought scares me to .. well death. That transition from a state to another... leaving this world... this body... facing the ultimate unknown and the ultimate struggle as the soul leaves the body.. a horrifying instant. the only thing that comforts me is knowing Christ went through the same.

Very comforting words, Father. God bless you, and thanks for exactly what I needed to hear today.

I'm not worried about death. I'm worried about the process of dying. I'm worried about being sick and helpless and alone. I have seen people in their dying days and even people that died relatively peacefully still went through a great deal of suffering before the end eventually came. I pray that I can keep the faith when faced with my own mortality and fragility. I should be able to, but I'm still not looking forward to all of my bodily functions shutting down and simple acts becoming painful.

The deepest despair and fear of death I've ever felt was when they told me my day old son would die in the next hours to days. The only comfort I got was in Jesus Christ knowing he conquered death and that my son and I would be reunited in heaven when my time comes.

Ever since that one video about homosexuality that muddled the waters of Scripture and Church teaching, Fr. Casey's been on fire! So many good videos in a row, and he's getting away from the politicized/click-baity topics. Really happy to see. God bless you! It's just a shame the controversial stuff gets the most views.

@susand3668

3 ай бұрын

God uses *everything* for His Glory!! How great God is!

@bradyhayes7911

3 ай бұрын

@@susand3668 He is!

Praise Jesus!

I understand Father Casey's point here. The promise of eternal life and the resurrection is indeed at the core of Christianity. What about people of different religions? Atheists? Agnostics, etc? Thinking about this concerns me. I don't remember enough of my comparative theology to recall what the afterlife looks like for Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and the many other religions. They often have different ideas, sometimes conflicting with the others. The idea that I will see the ones that I love after I die only if they meet certain criteria troubles me.

@susand3668

3 ай бұрын

Have you read the Catechism of the Catholic Church? Jesus does not want us to be afraid for those who do not have the head-knowledge that we Christians were blessed with. (All good things come from Him. He gave us our faith because we need to use our heads to serve Him and His people. Not because we deserve it. We have done nothing, except follow Him and do as He does.) Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. We know that. And we can trust Him, Who gives life out of His great love, that He will raise up even those who have not heard His Name. And we can pray, and we can fast, and we can suffer and offer our sufferings and works and prayers and joys to Him, who will use our little gifts to bless others. It's what they used to call the divine economy. God is GOOD.

Oh Grave, where is thy victory? Oh Death, where is thy sting? Eternal life with Christ in Paradise awaits us. There is nothing to fear! ✝️

I'm more afraid of suffering, even though I know it's necessary.

@susand3668

3 ай бұрын

Yes, suffering is hard work. Like laboring to give birth. And then you let go and let God, and give Him your suffering as your little splinter of His Cross. When you offer Him your suffering as well as all your joy and work and prayers, He will use that like He used His own Cross to bring blessings to others. Nothing is useless that comes from the hand of Ge.

Life without a belief in the hereafter is a life far more prone to nihilism. While it is possible to live a life of meaning, and even derive a sense of urgency where one savors and makes the most of every moment because it is so fleeting, this is not the way many people are emotionally disposed. A lot of people want to feel as if their lives has an effect beyond this transient physical existence. Hence why the line from the film Gladiator resonates so much with many people. As Maximus said: "What we do in life echoes in eternity". So even if you find it hard to believe in an afterlife, I would recommend that you live your life as if it were real. Just from a pragmatic sense, such a concept can act as a bulwark against despair.

Father, It's not death that I am afraid of; it's the Last Judgment.

I love how your habit is getting frayed around the collar. You are literally breaking in the habit. Bravo Father.

That What Kills The Body Can Not Kill The Soul. You are only afraid if you don't know where you are going. Redemption is a beautiful thing. Isaiah 43:1✝️📖 Shalom Shalom 🛐

I had a tumor revealed and removed recently and I realized I am not afraid of death but I regret my birth as it is the beginning of such a painful existence, and I live in relative luxury compared to the majority of the world.

@susand3668

3 ай бұрын

Oh, my dear!! Never regret the great gift God has given you!! All the people who love you -- here on earth and in Heaven, too! -- and all the ways you have served and helped others, and all the goodness you have seen in others! All the beauty you have seen and all the Truth you have learned! And in death, the wonders that will open before you! You may be too tired to feel the joy of your life right now. That happens when a body has had a tumor. I will be praying for you. You have touched my heart. Please pray for me, too.

Thanks for this video, i really needed it

ST. TERESA OF LISIEUX: “It is not because I have been preserved from serious sin that I lift up my heart to God in trust and love. I am certain that even if I had on my conscience every imaginable sin, I should lose nothing of my confidence, but would throw myself, my heart broken with sorrow, into the arms of my Savior.” “It is not because I have been preserved from serious sin that I lift up my heart to God in trust and love. I am certain that even if I had on my conscience every imaginable sin, I should lose nothing of my confidence, but would throw myself, my heart broken with sorrow, into the arms of my Savior.”

This is by far your best video yet. Thank you

Thank you. I really needed to see this!

Thank you Father Casey, as someone who has struggled with the existential fear of Death for as long as I remember, this video really helps me remember why I am Christian. God bless you 🙏

This is very comforting, thankyou.

Thank you, Fr. Casey Cole

Mark Twain observed: "The fear of death proceeds from the fear of life. Anyone who has lived fully does not fear death."

This is the message I needed to hear on the anniversary of a loved one’s passing. I’m not sure if I believe in God, but if I just place my trust, it helps me find peace.

I'm not afraid of death, I'm more afraid of living. Death seems peaceful compared to the suffering of this world

@susand3668

3 ай бұрын

Yes, that is why Jesus became like one of us in all things but sin. He understands your suffering. And He is right with you to share it. You are not alone. I hope you are Catholic. Jesus left us the church to help us see how much He loves us. The Church has the sacraments so that Jesus can give Himself to us, Body and blood and Soul and Divinity. Don't be surprised if Heaven is more exciting than "peaceful"! Like the greatest love story ever!!

Thank you for reminding us about this. God Bless you and keep up the awesome work you do

When Christ calls me, I will happily fly to him

Ps. 122:1 I was glad when they said unto me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD." Thank you, Fr. Casey.

Thank you Fr Casey. My fear is addressed.

Thank you Father!

Thank you Br Casey for yet another wonderful video. This one was exceptional, I found tears welling up at the start when you asked us to imagine the finality of the death of those we most love in this world. I also felt supremely comforted by your explanation of what we, as Christians, believe and genuinely happy that you took the time to address an issue that impacts infinitely more people more profoundly than we can ever know.

My God. There is so much emotion in this video.

Thank you, Father.

Needed to see/hear this today. 13 hours ago, when this video was uploaded was about 9:30am my time. Right when my aunt Mary's funeral was starting. As we said the rosary this morning ahead of the mass and we recited the Creed, we do believe in the Resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Our tears are merely selfish. Father reminded us at the graveside, after the mass that she is buried with her feet pointed east, so when Christ comes for her, she will wake up facing the rising sun. Thank you for posting, Father Casey! I truly believe that God puts little reminders in front of us through our sufferings and this evening, this video is that little reminder from God.

My grandma got taken off of life support 10 minutes ago. She has either 20 minutes left or 4 hours. I don’t want to sleep because my parents are at the hospital. Pray for me

I'm not afraid of death, but I am afraid of the pain associated and not being right with God.

I'm not afraid of death. My father died when I was 7 years old, my grandfather died a year afterwards. Death as a concept is not foreign to me, nor is it especially frightening. I think the only thing that worries me about it is the effect it would have on my loved ones. Bereavement is a terrible thing. It's unavoidable, too. I suppose my biggest fear, regarding death, is passing away before my loved ones are "ready" for it -- that's not a good position to be in.

I needed to hear this, may God bless you, brother. I see in you the gift of speech promised by the Holy Spirit

❤🙏❤️, Amen, so grateful for the TRUTHS of our faith!!❤

Well said.

This is the Gospel. Thank you Father Casey. You have many great videos, but this is one of the best I think.

Thank you father cole .i bilive in the gospls ❤️

Brilliant

I am no more afraid of death than I am of any other move into the unknown.

Thank you, Father, thank you.

This really scares me and I consider myself faithful to my catholic faith.

I do once. Its not so pleasant but it worth and it change my point of view.

Awesome. Brilliant content. God bless you Father Casey 🙏🙏🙏. Told Irish patriot farmer Niall McConnell Donegal the truth He weathly Thomas lives in Boston USA.

I do see and experience those who have gone before daily. There are traits, in my physical person, that are from my ancestors. The habits and life choices I make are directed through the lessons learned years ago. Yes, I am cautious concerning the after life. It is my impatience that is at the forefront of my thoughts, but I am not ready to die. I would like to commune with many who have passed. I believe this is normal. Hopefully, they wish to commune with me as well. Still, we say rest in peace. Who am I to intrude upon their peace?

@susand3668

3 ай бұрын

You can pray for them, and they can pray for you. God does not want to take anything away. He is always giving, because He is GOOD, and GOOD is always moving out to others! God is the peace we wish upon our loved ones, I think. Just as being with God is our Heaven!! So, do love your loved ones; they still love you, though you can't hear them (The reception is remarkably bad on our end, not on theirs!) And go to God in prayer as much as you can -- if you are not Catholic, become Catholic -- because He is Perfect Love!

Interesting topic you have chosen Fr. Casey 😊, and along with it, you have imparted biblical truths related to death. On numerous occasions, I've said I'm not afraid to die & that's probably because I haven't been on death's door. As Christians, we know Jesus Christ defeated death, having risen body & soul & we too will survive in spirit after the death of our bodies. Yet there is still fear if we are to be honest. I'm a baptised Roman Catholic Christian & always will be regardless of my utterances, which have prompted a nun to call me a heretic I know the spirit/soul essence continues to exist because I've experienced several manifestations, the spirit world is real, there's no doubt about it Father Casey - seeing is believing, and as a Ronan Catholic Christian, I do not dabble in spiritualism yet i've been *privileged* to witness them in many forms including the divine. I'll stop there father. This subject is a very broad one which could include both negative & positive spiritual beings and best discussed on a face to face basis. The long & the short of my contribution is that we should be apprehensive about death if our spiritual bag is full of tasteless jelly bean's .

I pray for God's mercy.

I actually find solace that there is an end. Eternal anything comes across as dreadful to a human mind, as sweetness would soon decay into saccharine and then into ennui, along with anything sickening or agonizing that had been going on long enough, and unfortunately, we may get used to happiness more easily. I do like being stoic in the face of death, but I question the merit of replacing it with uncertain claims of resurrection that I would consider to be unproven. That someone I long loved, or I myself, would eventually pass, can indeed be somber, and sad, if I am left behind as the ones I love move on before me, but that actually incentivizes me to make what I have more fulfilling, and make sure the end is not painful, for _prolonged agony and torment_ are more terrifying to me than any death. There is such a thing as good dying after all, living life to the fullest, trying to have no regrets. Of course, on the other hand, life can be cut short by unforeseen circumstances, but what about it? Are we to weep and despair at an uncertain future or the ones who pass, or are we to keep striving to remember and honor the ones who passed, and live better and stronger for their sakes as well, so that we can work towards the more modest, more certain, and more feasible goal of one day having everyone be able to properly prepare for each of his/her/es end when he/she/e wants it to end at the moment of weariness, so that it can come as a peaceful close to a wonderful story instead of missing the mark and dragging on? Honestly, I would rather focus on the now, and what we can do to make what we have here better than wish for uncertainty or believe a story is pointless just because it ends.

Word.

I am absolutely not afraid of death as long as it concerns my own life. Yet some things are intimidating for me: First, the thought that really evil people die without knowing God, without wanting to know Him, and without repentance. Then, people I love very much will die before me. I already lost several friends to death, and this doesn't become easier when you get older. And then, the process of dying can take quite a long time, and things like complete helplessness and dementia can come long before death. Losing the world, and perhaps even losing Faith, is a horrifying thing I observed when I worked in a home for old people. All in all, I am quite optimistic. Death is a passage to eternal Life. Agony isn't fun, but I am not afraid of it. Yet loss of friends, of capacities, of mind and faith: those are frightening.

I have never been afraid of death; I know there is life after death. I prayerfully pray that I will see almighty God again. I realize we are not to believe in reincarnation, but I know I've been here before. I even dreamed that someone had come for me that night, but I begged to stay as my work was not done. I am now ready and will gladly go when he comes for me this time. God Bless.

@mgvilaca

3 ай бұрын

I wish I did. I see all evidence for afterlife yet I still have many many doubts unfortunately. Even after reading books like Wisdom

@Anon.5216

3 ай бұрын

You have not been here before. You are being deceived. You need to seek Jesus.

great video. im wondering if you can show the pictures behind you

When I was a kid I was really afraid of the concept of dying, but as I grew older exploring my faith and my culture I have made peace with the fact that it is part of life. Will I be afraid when it is the end, possibly, but now? Im ok

Amen

I do not fear dying, I do tremble a bit about how I die. I hope it's in my sleep, but as Christ prayed "Not my will but thine be done."

My fear has always been the resurrection. When the life I'm living is over, I dread the thought of living again. I would rather remain a spirit eventually in heaven.

I just can´t imagine an eternal life, but i want to. Or even if it isn´t i don´t want to be afraid anymore

I believe what people say about the evidence. I have not examined it properly myself, but when I see historians asked, I don't see them disagree except with "there has to be some other explanation for the supernatural things." But there is also the knowledge that we could theoretically be decieved by God, or some alien species, or for some reason the evidence really isn't as solid as we think. I hope that when push comes to shove, I trust Jesus. I don't have the same deathly angst now as I did when I was an atheist, just 3 months ago.

I had a near death experience brought on by an attempt to un alive myself. So... I did come back. I'm telling you, the other side is more real than this one. Also, that life review (when you go back over your actions / choices / intentions / thoughts) is no joke. Show love now. While you can. And forgive everyone the way Jesus forgave on the cross. It's important. Death isn't scary... I look forward to going home... just not like that and not beforemy time. As I said, that life review is no joke.

Really wish you had channeled Davey Jones on this video. But yeah, I am scared of death. I am scared my beliefs are wrong. I am scared that my beliefs will be judged wrong. Fear is a human state. I simply deal with it. Also, if I saw someone who was dead, I would make sure I hadn't missed my meds.

Hi father Casey I was wondering if you can do a video on people who are afraid of their own death I myself at 20 have sometimes been afraid of my own demise not because I don’t have faith in Christ and his resurrection but because I feel like this

No, I am not afraid. If someone in my family dies I will remember them with HONOR, because I know who and how they were when they were alive. I think we are more afraid of how we are going to die than of dying.

@reintaler6355

3 ай бұрын

Your last part is actually still a part of our discussion on death. And Jesus gave us the answer by making peace with dying in one of the most horrifying ways imaginable

@JessieYipman

3 ай бұрын

@@reintaler6355 I know but is terrify thinking about the pain that you could have.

. . . I have no fear of death, but am a little anxious about how I will get there . . .

I think every human is afraid of death. But that’s because we think we can know but in our hearts, we have to confront the reality that we can’t know or imagine … anything. Unless we let ourselves be led in connection to God that not knowing is okay. Babies is the womb don’t know what life will be like after birth, but if all goes well they are born and live and can’t remember not knowing. Start at the best moment of your life, amplify it as much as your imagination will take you, then consider that the reality will be more. Sit with that for a bit. That’s what our future holds. Because He lives.

Jesus is here with us today, I saw him down at the Supermarket, he was buying some bread rolls and a can of sardines. He must want to feed the multitude again so gather at the lakes shore for a free lunch.

I think it's just in our nature to always have that doubt, Jesus constantly was commenting at the Apostles lack of faith, even when he stood before them. It's just so hard for us to comprehend. And Christ said how would we believe the wonders of heaven if we disbelieve the wonders here on earth...I think our bodies are full of instinct to survive, so the panic of death engulfs us, and can make faith seem hopeless. But that's when you must be faithful. Like Jesus and the Canaanite woman, he was testing the apostles when he ignored her and referred to her as a dog rather than a child at the table...yet she still persisted with faith in Him... he knew that would happen, he knew everything, and there's a lesson in that tale. That even when we think God has 'forsaken' us...he has not.

Fr. can i make a request that id most like to see from a priest.. Could you to do a video on prayer tutorial? Ive read so many instructions on how to pray. But what do you actually say and do when you are alone and 'praying'? I know its probably too personal to post a video like that on the internet..

CATHOLOCISM & FEAR During my Catholic school years in the 1940’s and 50’s, I, along with my Catholic schoolmates, went to Confession almost every Saturday to avoid the pains of hell (explicitly stated in the Act of Contrition) and to reduce our suffering in Purgatory. Based on Catholic teaching taught by nuns, brothers and priests and not CCD teachers, the very best outcome for a baptized Catholic would be to die before reaching “the age of reason” unequivocally defined in the pre-1992 Catechism as age 7. That kid would go straight to Heaven with no detour to the horrible suffering in Purgatory. But if a pubescent kid willfully retains a sexual thought and dies in an accident before going to Confession, that kid goes straight to hell! Purgatory was a frightening destination for almost everyone who was not destined to hell. Every Catholic kid learned about Perfect Contrition and Imperfect Contrition and knew that almost ALL confessions were imperfect. Perfect contrition required sorrow solely based on having offended God. Death immediately following a perfect Confession resulted in going straight to Heaven. However, if the penitent's motivation for Confession included any degree of fear of punishment, the Confession was valid but imperfect. So even though a Catholic child made a valid Confession, the descriptions of suffering by fire was so heavily emphasized throughout all those school years, that it was almost impossible not to have a least some fear as motivation to go to Confession. Thus virtually all Confessions were imperfect and suffering in the fire of Purgatory was mandatory for the remission of all confessed sins, mortal and venial. We all believed we were destined to burn for some unknown amount of time in Purgatory, so many sought the indulgences printed on various pages of our Sunday Missals. They were printed in red at the bottom of the page, explaining what had to be done (say so many rosaries, participate in a novena, pray the Stations of the Cross, etc.). Included was the number of days deducted from your time in Purgatory. Teaching children to live in fear was and is, abject, psychological child abuse.

@F84Thunderjet

3 ай бұрын

@@teek.1059 Am I correct in thinking you went to Catholic School after Vatican II post 1968? Was there anything specific in my post that contradicted what you were taught in Catholic school? I am glad you and your parents had a positive experience.

I always think about that.. Im not scared about my death but the ppl I love. I believe they go back to the Lord. But are we gonna see each other in heaven or at resurrection?? Jesus said were gonna be like angels and wont marry, but is that in heaver or earth??