Back in April this year, I visited Aunt Maggie in Creditview Hospital. She was contracted with pancreatic cancer more than six months ago. She was in and out of the hospital at that time since her condition was not stable. Finally her day did come to say goodbye to all her friends and family. I remembered her smile, her humour and optimism. All these became part of our memory. Everyone was sad to see her go, but nothing could be done. Gladly she was a Catholic and was baptized since she worked as a nurse.
After my last visit to her, a thought came to mind that slowed my sadness. We’ll see her again. I had forgotten that death is only temporary for believers. I knew I’d see Aunt Maggie again because both of us had trusted in Jesus’ death and resurrection for the forgiveness of our sin. When Jesus came back to life after His crucifixion, death lost its ultimate power to separate believers from each other and from God. After we die, we’ll live again in heaven with God and all of our spiritual brothers and sisters—forever.
Because Jesus is alive today, believers in Him have hope in times of loss and sorrow. Death has been swallowed up in the victory of the cross.