One of the most beautiful and, at the same time, frustrating things about our lives here on earth is that no one knows when it will end. This is true except for those who decide to take it by themselves for themselves or others. It is beautiful because then one does not have to spend it worrying about it or attempting to run away from it or postpone it. It can also be frustrating for some people who wish to have all the world’s sinful pleasures and repent at the last minute.
The natural end of our lives here on earth is beyond our human knowledge. Jesus Christ makes this fact clearer in today’s Gospel. At the end of the passage, He says: “but of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” This is a biblical truth and an indisputable part of our human experience. So the question, probably, should not be about when or how our lives will end but what shall we leave behind? What memories shall be our legacies for our family and loved ones?
Usually, the most pleasant and unforgettable memories we leave behind are with the people we spend the most time with. Mostly our family and loved ones. The memories we leave are our legacies. Sometimes, they are tangible, material things. Other times, they are actions, words, expressions, and smiles that impact others positively. These memories keep us fresh and green in the lives and minds of our loved ones after we LEAVE.
In one of his greatest hits, “I dreamed about mama last night,” the legendary country musician, Hank Williams, narrated some of his finest memories of his late mother. This song may not be one of those making country music the best music genre of all time. But it is one of my best for Hank William’s records. In this song, Hank captured his mother’s impenetrable love for her children and the memories that kept her present in their lives even long after she LEFT.
Hank narrated how his mother never went to bed at night until her children were back home safe, clean, and fed. It is clear from the song that his mother was intentionally present in her children’s lives. She loved and embraced her motherhood vocation – a vocation that our Blessed Mother Mary embraced and lived to the fullest, thereby leaving every mother an example to follow.
Hank William’s dreams of his mother were memories that challenged and encouraged him to live a life of purpose. In the same way, we all should strive to live a life of purpose. Living a life that touches, inspires, uplifts, and encourages others even in the tiniest ways is a life of purpose. Such a life keeps one from concerns about the day or the hour.