Lent JourneySample

DAY 31
Ask

To be given vinegar to drink when one cries for water in the hour of one’s death, must be terrible!

Jesus’ reaction when He is given vinegar instead of water, is not clearly described in the four Gospels. Some historical sources speculate that the vinegar was given to Jesus to somehow help Him and relieve his pain. But He did not get what He asked for in his hour of death.

Ignatius of Loyola often visited his own deathbed in his mind. Then he planned what decisions he would make in those moments. In his imagination he thought about where he would be, with whom and what he would say.

Establishments such as the Catholic Hospital Association of America encourage terminally ill patients to think about all the decisions they can make while they are still living, to exercise their right to choose while they still can.

At the end of my life I would also like to feel free to ask for the kind of support that I believe I need.

And if it’s water, surely I can ask for it?

EXERCISE
Because of my belief:

I request that I be informed as death approaches so that I may continue to prepare for a full encounter with Christ through the help of the sacraments and the consolation and prayers of my family and friends.

I request that, if possible, I be consulted concerning the medical procedures which might be used to prolong my life as death approaches. If I can no longer take part in decisions concerning my own future and there is no reasonable expectation of my recovery from physical and mental disability, I request that no extraordinary means be used to prolong my life.

I request, though I wish to join my suffering to the suffering of Jesus so I may be united fully with him in the act of death-resurrection, that my pain, if unbearable, be alleviated.

I request, because I am a sinner and in need of reconciliation and because my faith, hope and love may not overcome all fear and doubt, that my family, friends and the whole Christian community join me in prayer as I prepare for the great personal act of dying.

Finally, I request that after my death, my family, my friends and the whole Christian community pray and praise God with me, and rejoice with me because of the mercy and love of the Trinity with whom I hope to be united for all eternity.

From: Healing the Dying, Mary Linn, Matthew Linn, Dennis Linn