“Death holds no terror for a sincere servant of Christ who works to lead souls to the knowledge of the truth.” (St. Ramon Llull)
As we move toward the great goal of meeting the Lord in death, it is a great comfort to know that we have sincerely tried to serve in the Lord’s vineyard. There is hardly anything more important that we can do on earth than help people find God and walk in His ways. From this, we can draw the confidence that St. Paul had when he knew that the crown of victory awaited him (cf. 2 Tim. 4:8).
Death then ceases to be the great unknown to be feared. It becomes more and more a gateway to glory and also a valuable reminder not to slacken in our efforts for the salvation of souls, for who knows, except God Himself, how much time we have left? How precious every single soul is for whom the Lord gave His life! No effort on their behalf is in vain, even if we cannot see any progress.
Ultimately, it is our Father Himself who is able to convince a soul. Yet how greatly are we called to cooperate!
From this fulfillment of His will, which is so important to our Father because He longs for people to find their true home in Him, to receive His gifts, and not to be lost, a special intimacy with God arises. One could put it this way: It is a union with the Most Holy Trinity in Their innermost loving longing and search for humanity. Through God’s presence in His servant, this becomes the servant’s deepest longing as well, and he gives his life for it.
Once this has come to pass, death can no longer be a source of fear. The time of suffering on earth is over, and the joys of heaven await.