Memento Mori

      

by Caloy Malaluan

Interestingly, the morbid welcome on the arch of the Betis Catholic Cemetery bears the phrase, written in Kapampangan, "Aku ngeni, Ika bukas" which literally translates to "Today, I; Tomorrow, You". It is similar to the almost forgotten line in the Catholic Faith that is a well loved subject of contemplation among the mystics and saints, Memento Mori - "Remember you will die". 

In the times of the ancient Romans, the majority of the public would have their eyes glued to the victorious general at the front—one of the most coveted spots during Roman times. Only a few would notice the aide in the back, right behind the commander, whispering into his ear, “Remember, thou art mortal.” What a reminder to hear at the peak of glory and victory! 

I recall reading somewhere, "Memento Mori! (Remember that you will die!) You have but one soul to save, One God to love and serve, One eternity to expect. Death will come soon, then, judgement will follow. And then, Heaven or hell forever." After all, death can happen at any time — not just later in life. But that shouldn’t make us despair, it should give us hope by helping us focus on living for heaven! 

One Little Rose

I would rather have one little rose

From the garden of a friend

Than to have the choicest flowers

When my stay on earth must end.

I would rather have one pleasant word

In kindness said to me

Than flattery when my heart is still

And life has ceased to be.

I would rather have a loving smile

From friends I know are true

Than tears shed round my casket

When this world I've bid adieu.

Bring me all your flowers today

Whether pink, or white, or red

I'd rather have one blossom now

Than a basketful when I'm dead.

- Author Unknown

 



A Day Closer

Each day is a day closer to chaos,

Each day is a day closer to peace

Each day is a day closer to confusion,

Each day is a day closer to certainty.

Each day is closer to no tomorrows,

Each day is closer to no more sorrows

Each day is a day closer to goodbyes,

Each day is a day closer to reunions.

Each day is a day closer to the end,

Each day is a day closer to a new beginning.

Each day is a day closer to a bottomless pit,

Each day is a day closer to redemption.

Each day is a day closer to the last hour,

Each day is a day closer to eternity.

Each day is a day closer to a lifeless body,

Each day is a day closer to immortality.

Each day is a day closer to leaving it all ...

Each day is a day closer to my true 'Home'.

- by Erickagwen

Your Fate

Dying

by Ericka Gwen

We are a breed of a dying people

We are breathing yet we're dying

We are conditioned to believe that we are living longer,

but are we living wiser?

We worked hard to pay the price when we are already redeemed.

In the arms of darkness we take refuge

We ran away from light instead of go towards it

We searched far and wide to be born again

When we only need to say 'Yes'

We feed our body yet we forgot to feed our soul

We listen to beautiful music, but we forget to listen to His voice

We run to keep healthy, while we can't even walk with God

We cry while watching a movie, but apathetic of the ones in need

We see the beauty of the nature, but did not see The One who created it

We thank man who invented technology, but did not thank the one who created man

We see, yet we are blind

We hear, yet did not listen.

We are a breed of a dying people ...

The clock tick tocks and waits for no one at their convenience

When will we realize that our true home awaits with Him?

Awaken, dear soul, awaken!

(Writer's notes: This was written as a realization during a wake of a friend who died of acute leukemia and learning about several other friends' illnesses. )