Memorial of Saint Benedict, Abbot

 Lectionary: 387

As soon as Joseph saw him, he flung himself on his neck
and wept a long time in his arms.
And Israel said to Joseph, "At last I can die,
now that I have seen for myself that Joseph is still alive."

Like "Israel," many aged and unhealthy people defy death and cling to life as they wait for something to happen; and they can often say what it is. Some want to see one more Christmas, or their eightieth birthday. Others want to see their last grandchild graduate from high school or college. Some have a "bucket list," usually of scenic vistas they want to see, or faraway places to visit. 

Others just refuse to die. They "do not go gently into that good night," but throw themselves into rehabilitation in an effort to regain everything they've lost. Powerful people like Vladimir Putin do not make a will or discuss advance directives. They do not expect to die.

I have known others who were content with their life. If they had regrets, they were, as Frank Sinatra sang, "too few to mention." When I was a hospital chaplain, few patients in the hospital or hospice spoke to me of eternity. Most didn't seem to expect or require it. Although surviving loved ones speak of "going to a better place," the dying were not that interested.    

The sorriest, and most difficult, ones I've seen were the people who made no sacrifices for their health, and seemed to think they would not lose what they did not use. They drank to excess, they smoked, they watched television, they ate whatever they wanted, and bragged, "All this and heaven too!" And then one day, their health went away.  They're the ones who make the most unreasonable demands on their caregivers and families, and refuse every form of spiritual care. 

Jacob, in his final day, learning that his favorite wife's firstborn son was still alive, wanted to see him. He would hold off death until then. His son Joseph, although much younger than his father, also wanted his family back, despite what his brothers had done to him. He saw God's will in their betrayal of him and his miraculous ascent to power, and would hold no grudge against them. Both of their stories end happily; their satisfaction suggests the joy of eternity after a life of fidelity amid sorrow and disappointment. 

The Bible tells us many stories of life well-lived. Heroes from Adam to Saint Paul, patriarchs, warriors (like Samson), and kings (David), seers (Simeon), and prophetesses (Anna) thank God for their satisfaction in what God has done or revealed. They describe a happy death at the end of a life of confusion, distress, and troubles. They may not have expected much, but they were rewarded with much. 

We pray for the time to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. We should use the time we have to seek forgiveness for our transgressions; and then forgive transgressions against us. Who needs baggage in eternity? Like the angels who can fly, we will take ourselves lightly and follow like little lambs the Lamb of God.