Saint Robert Bellarmine, S.J. (1542-1621), is a renowned saint in the Society of Jesus. He was an Italian Cardinal who served in several capacities: as a humanities professor (1563-1567), in an academic position resolving theological controversies (1576), and as a Spiritual Director (1580s).
His last writing was "The Art of Dying Well", which was written two years before his death. Robert wrote that: "Truly "blessed" is the death of the saints, which by the command of the Heavenly King frees the soul from the prison of the flesh, and conducts her to a celestial Kingdom;..."
Therefore, the persons who want to die well, he/ she must live well. Robert Bellarmine clarified two parts: "in the first | shall speak of the precepts we must follow whilst in good health; in the other of those we should observe when we are dangerously ill, or near death's door." However, Christians must remember that they die to the world before they die in their body because "we cannot in any way begin to live to God, unless we first die to the world."
Actually, Christians are called to prepare for our death at any time. Saint Robert Bellarmine was a brilliant Christian when he chose to think deeply about death. The last time comes to us surprisingly, and we cannot rely on our knowledge, talents, or anything else outside of ourselves. Therefore, we understand that death is a fantastic art or the worst result of human limitation.
Wishing we could understand the meaning of Saint Francis Assisi: "And in dying that we are born to eternal life"...
Author: Little Stream
Photo: Moon
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