Memento mori: life is precious

Mystical texts often asks their readers to remember and consider their death. This is done through discussions of the memento mori motif.

Thomas a Kempis, for example, in his book 1.23, has “a meditation on death.” He writes that time is precious. One should be intent to use time optimally. This implies, amongs others, that we live according to priorities. One should engage in activities which will not bring fear when one ultimately has to face death.

To think of one’s death means that one does not wast life, does not live a progidal life. Time is short, opportunities are limited. To live wisely, means to understand the consequences of one's deeds in the sense that one will not always have unlimited chances to undo wrong or to do right, to live close to God and to seek the spiritual life. Dramatic and irreversible change may take place any moment: a stroke, a heart attack, an accident. But even if we live our lives to a ripe age, we may still not experience fulfillment.

This obviously does not mean that one should always only read the Bible or pray.

Life is about simple things, about joy, about hard work from 8 to 5, about relaxing, about loving, about hiking, travelling, going to school, an evening out with friends, the party, the Christmas holidays, the book to read, the letter to write, the film to see. But all these matters can be a heavy burden. They can be frustrating, boring, irritating and lifeless.

Or every moment, considered in the light of eternity, can be a moment to feel the beauty of being able to breathe, to enjoy open spaces, to be close to family and good friends, to appreciate kindness, to remain healthy. Then all one’s activities are fulfilling.

Maybe some people will find it is a bit morbid to keep on thinking about one’s death. And obviously it can become a bad, obsessive habit.

But memento mori has nothing to do with obsession. We need to experience and live every moment prayerfully. Which makes me think why prayer is so important: Lord, give us today our daily bread. Let our normal activities, what we eat, let it be to us a gift from you. Let us consider every moment in the light of your love. It is then that life yields beauty and joy.