Two aunts passed away within one week.
Tia Pat collapsed while she was with friends in her favorite spot at the Public Market. She was rushed to the nearby clinic where she breathed her last.
Everybody was saying that her death was unexpected; that it came as a big surprise. The conclusion, however, was the same for all: if it was her time to go, nobody could do anything about it.
What everybody was saying were all true.
Death comes at a moment we will never expect. Death surprises us. Always. And there is nothing we can do about it. We are all going to die. Somehow. Sometime.
Every week, I celebrate Funeral Masses for one or two parishioners. Even in death, I can see the differences between the dead. Whether one is rich or poor, a politician or an ordinary parishioner. But, except for the kind of casket or the funeral service, death does not distinguish the poor from the rich. From the young and the old. Death is a great EQUALIZER.
Naked we came into this world; naked we will leave it.
Our wealth and power. Awards and Recognitions. Anything and everything that we own and try to keep for ourselves will be left behind for friends and relatives to fight over and keep for themselves. Death is an EQUALIZER.
Death reminds us that we are just passing by in this world. To think that we will stay here forever is foolish. To live as if we will never leave this place is even more imprudent.
Then why are we living as if powerful positions will be with us forever. That we can do whatever we want to gain more money and power, and more wealth and more power. Even at the expense of the people, the community, the country.
The highest official in the land, the lowest laborer in the country. The most powerful jueteng lord and the very poor who place their bets. The thieves in the government and the liars in public office. The saints and the sinners. ALL WILL PASS AWAY. Death makes everybody equal. We will all die, and nobody can stop it from visiting us. Today or tomorrow. Anytime.
We are just passersby in this world. Let us make the most of this temporal stay. For we will pass this way but only once.
Now, what happens after we die? What will be God’s judgment over us? Remember: this God can never be bribed, can never be bought, can never be intimidated. Death will have the last laugh. God will have the last say, after all.
