It may seem strange to think about death the day before the First Sunday in Advent, but for many, if not most of us, it’s never a good time to talk about death. The British Parliament just passed a bill that permits terminally ill patients to seek medical aid in dying. Here in the U.S., ten states have such legislation, including New Jersey. It’s pretty restrictive, limited to persons with less than 6 months to live who make two oral requests, one written, and able to ingest the medication on one’s own.
Oregon was the first to permit medical aid in dying in 1994. NIH data indicate that 5329 persons have utilized this process. Almost all were non-Hispanic whites and most had cancer, choosing to die rather than to suffer. There is a difference between physician assisted death and palliative care. Most faith traditions oppose the former.
End of life care raises deep moral questions. At what point should one surrender to only palliative care? If we as Christians really believe that God embraces us after death in some manner after our deaths, should we not fear death? But that fear is a normal part of living. As we look forward to Advent, we remember that the One who will be born and reborn in us also asked God to remove the cross. That makes Jesus one of us.
Prayer for the Day
Looking forward to the Advent Season about to break upon us,
We do not want the dark thoughts of death in our minds;
Knowing that the specter pf death is ever with us,
We put our trust in you, O God, to hold us in your embrace.
Help us to embrace the new life in the One who comes from you,
And share that new life with others as it is shred with us.
In the name of the One who is your gift to us,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
The celebration of Advent is possible only to those who are troubled in soul, who know themselves to be poor and imperfect, and who look forward to something greater to come.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, theologian, pastor, martyr (106-1945)
The Lord is coming, always coming. When you have ears to hear and eyes to see, you will recognize him at any moment of your life. Life is Advent; life is recognizing the coming of the Lord.
Henri Nouwen, teacher, pastor, theologian (1932-1996)
Do not remember the former things, or consider things of old,
I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
Isaiah 43: 18-19a