June 2nd, 2021: Before Dust Returns to The Earth

 

Many countries are experiencing the real crisis of an aging population. In 2020, Canada has 18% of her population over 65, and 15.9% under the age of 14. The percentage of seniors will continue to increase in the next couple of decades. What would be the implications besides the economic one?


Spiritual conversations about death and sickness will become more and more evident. Death always has its way of introducing a new beginning. Sickness will become a template for our conversations about truth and fear. How can the church provide guidance and hope for that period of time? Only living churches can engage in meaningful conversations about death. Dead churches can hardly engage the living.


Studies show us that the more we can talk about spiritual matters in life with seniors, the more we help them to be healthy before their death. It sounds like a paradox, but it is not. It is how the physical world and the metaphysical world find their common thesis about meaning. Our ability to anticipate what is about to come helps us settle in the present moment.


Relationships take on a different meaning. Many seniors become more reflective about their lives and find the tranquility of their hearts. Some find it hard to reconcile brokenness in life and get angry and depressed. Many cherish the relationships they have with their kids and grandkids. I could see that in my father even till the end of his life. He was so excited and alert when his grandchildren showed up in Zoom meetings.


God will wait for us to have our conversations with him. It won't be about what we do. It will be about whether we can find our peace in Him. It is about embracing God's eternal presence with our finite limitations. It is about being forgiven once and for all.


“Before dust returns to the earth as it was before and the life-breath returns to God who gave it.” — Ecclesiastes 12:7


“I most certainly don’t want anyone to die! This is what the Lord God says. Change your ways, and live!” — Ezekiel 18:32

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