Bible passages on death & hope

Apologetics Sacred Scripture
#1

A dear friend of mine is dying from Cancer.
I would like to make a list of several passages from the Bible related to death and hope. For example, I´m thinking of:

I am the Resurrection and the Life/ If anyone believes in me, even though he dies he will live. (Jn 11:25)

And whoever lives and believes in me/ will never die. (Jn 11:26)

Or something like:

For see winter is past/ the rains are over and gone. (Songs 2:11)

Could you add any others? I would really appreciate it.

I also would like to ask to anyone who reads this post to please say a prayer for my friend and his family. Thank you :slight_smile:

#2

You, your friend and their family and friends are in my prayers. I will offer my next Eucharist for your friend and their intentions.

‘Do not let your hearts be troubled
you have faith in God, have faith also in Me.
In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places.
If there were not would I have told you
that I am going to prepare a place for you?
And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come back again and take you to Myself,
so that where I am you also may be.
Where I am going, you know the way.’

#3

My friend has now passed away after a long battle with cancer. During the last few years of his life, he gave everyone who came in contact with him an amazing example of bravery and love of life. He offered all of his sufferings to Our Lord right to the end.
He was raised in a very faithful Catholic family. On this difficult time, they´re being a wonderful example of Faith, just as they had been since he was first diagnosed.

Blessedstar, thank you so much for the beautiful passage and your prayers, God Bless you. It is so comforting to read passages like this one, to be reminded that he is now in the Father´s house in a place prepared by Our Lord just for him.

#4

I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. He is at Peace now with Jesus.

I will keep you, your friend, their family and friends and all loved ones in my prayers.

With deepest sympathy.

#5

Hi Catolico,

We pray for your friend. Here’s a good passage :

Job 19, 25

I, for my part, know that my Redeemer lives
that He, at last, will rise on the earth.
After I wake up, he will make me stand next to Him,
and, in my flesh, I shall see God.
The One I shall see shall be for me,
the One I shall look upon will not be a stranger.

Verbum

#6

Thanks Verbum, this is the first time I´ve read this passage, it´s beautiful. Thank you so much for your prayer too.
:blessyou:

#7

1 But the souls of the just are in the hand of God, and the torment of death shall not touch them. 2 In the sight of the unwise they seemed to die: and their departure was taken for misery: 3 And their going away from us, for utter destruction: but they are in peace. 4 And though in the sight of men they suffered torments, their hope is full of immortality. 5 Afflicted in few things, in many they shall be well rewarded: because God hath tried them, and found them worthy of himself. 6 As gold in the furnace he hath proved them, and as a victim of a holocaust he hath received them, and in time there shall be respect had to them. 7 The just shall shine, and shall run to and fro like sparks among the reeds. 8 They shall judge nations, and rule over people, and their Lord shall reign for ever. 9 They that trust in him, shall understand the truth: and they that are faithful in love shall rest in him: for grace and peace is to his elect. (Wisdom 3 DRB)

#8

Thank you for posting these Bauerice. I especially liked #6, it helps me remember my friend´s suffering was not in vain. Thanks again, God Bless you

#9

Hello All,

I am not a Catholic myself, but my wife and her family are Irish Catholics. My three children are also Catholics (with my blessing - as I consider it a better religion to be brought up in, having a more family orientated feel).
My current difficulty is that my mother-in-law is seriously (critically) ill in hospital and, not being an expert in the Bible, I am having some difficulties in interpreting some of the references that the good people of this forum have provided as good passages for use in private prayer for someone who is possible in their transition to a better place.
Could someone please guie me in laymans terms to references which I may use in my own private thoughts (my mother-in-law deserves a place in Heaven as she has devoted herself to helping people; she attended daily Mass at all time that she could; abides by all of the commandments, all of this despite a lifetime of hardship and personal ill-health.).
I therefore see it as a very small commitment to pray on her behalf.

Regards,

David.

#10

David, Sure. Let me give you a few that perhaps are not as “theologically dense.”

Jesus had a keen understanding of loneliness:

“Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived when each of you will be scattered to his own home and you will leave me alone. But I am not alone, because the Father is with me. I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.” (Jn 16:32-33)

He promises to be with us always:

Matthew 28:19-20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

Psalm 23:4: Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

We will go to God when we die:
Eccl. 12:7, “Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.”

I post the excellent passage from Job the poster above wrote, since it definitely bears repeating. We will know God:

I, for my part, know that my Redeemer lives
that He, at last, will rise on the earth.
After I wake up, he will make me stand next to Him,
and, in my flesh, I shall see God.
The One I shall see shall be for me,
the One I shall look upon will not be a stranger.

Just as he knows and cares for us:

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” Psalm 139:13.

Matthew 10:29-31: Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows."

Isaiah 49:1516: “Can a woman forget her nursing child, or lack compassion for the child of her womb? Even if these forget, yet I will not forget you. Look, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands…”

Death will have no meaning for us:

1 Corinthians 15:54-55: "…“Death has been swallowed up in victory.Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”

As a part of Jesus’ Church, we are his bride, and he will come for us as surely as a groom comes for his beloved spouse, and he will take away our pain, the pain he himself suffered and knows so well:

Revelations 21:4: “… and He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.”

As Paul wrote during his period of arrest before his execution:

“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day–and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:6-8

Hope that helps a bit.

#11

Nathan,

Many thanks for your kind an dhelpful response. These are very helpful pasages.

Best wishes,

David.

#12