Freedom from the Fear of Death

Wearing masks, not wearing masks, and all the mixed emotions that
have come with the coronavirus reveal that—as a society—we lack
freedom from the fear of death. Maybe you know someone who has died
from the virus, or someone who lost their livelihood due to the
lockdown. Many are wondering when they can safely go out again, or
when they can they go back to Mass. In fact, the coronavirus is
revealing the fear of not just death, but also the fear of loss,
uncertainty, and insecurity. In these strange times, it’s
encouraging to remember the one who conquered death. In Hebrews we
read: “Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he
himself likewise partook of the same nature, that through death he
might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil,
and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to
lifelong bondage” (Hebrews 2:14-15). In a world without Jesus,
death ought to be feared because it is a separation from life and
everything good. But Christ has transformed life and death. This
does not mean suffering and grief simply don’t matter, but in our
suffering we have hope that death is not the end. Living life is
risky. About eight out of a thousand people die every year,
COVID-19 aside
(https://www.macrotrends.net/countries/WLD/world/death-rate). But
the meaning of life is so much more than avoiding death. Frankly,
some things are worse than death and some things are more important
than our lives on earth. We are called to embrace the risks of life
and live in hope … while still taking reasonable health
precautions.