The Rev. Canon Earle King addressed the issue of fearing death. He told the story of Jesus’ disciples,who were terrified as they traveled in a boat during a storm. The boat filled with water, and the disciples feared that it would sink. They woke up Jesus, who was napping, and told him, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Jesus told the wind and the raging water to calm down, and he asked his disciples, “Where is your faith?”
Father Earle said that people feel fear in the face of death. There is a concept that people cannot look upon God and live, which causes people to be even more afraid. Under such circumstances, faith becomes challenging. “Christians should not fear death,” Father Earle said.
“We are afraid to consider our own death.”
Father Earle shared some helpful pointers for people to prepare for their own death.
- Get a will or let New York State decide how your goods are to be distributed. Make sure that the will is kept updated and make sure that is not kept in a lockbox, which is sealed when you pass away. If you’d like to leave money to a church, talk to the pastor of that church about making a bequest.
- Look into a power of attorney. Keep your beneficiaries up to date. “Your loved ones who survive you will be thrilled,” Father Earle said.
- Get a health care proxy. This designates someone to be your agent.
- Look into MOLST. That stands for Medical Orders for Life-sustaining treatments. You will need to discuss this with your doctor. It applies if you are seriously ill and are likely to pass away within a year. This must be signed by a doctor.
- Look into a living will. A living will is a document that lets people state their wishes for end-of-life care, in the event that they become unable to communicate their decisions.
- Tell your family that you want to be an organ donor. This is more important than just signing your driver’s license. In addition, you can donate your body to the medical school at the State University of New York at Buffalo, through the school’s anatomical gift program. After you pass away, your body goes to the university. Six weeks later, your body will be cremated, and your ashes will be given to your family.
- Make decisions on what will happen after you pass away. You could make decisions about burial, cremation, and the funeral service. Having a cemetery plot before you pass away “is a hedge against inflation.” For survivors, knowing their family member’s preferences is a big help. ” Planning in advance means that “you can consider all options without the stress of grief and urgency.”
- Make sure that your digital information is available to family members in the event of your death. This would include passwords to the computer and email accounts.
Next week: Saint Timothy Lutheran Church will sponsor the Lenten luncheon.
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