DEATH, every second

[MindNight]

It is interesting (and yet disturbing) to know that each day at least 200,000 people die. Some from diseases, others at infancy, others at abortion, wars, old age, etc…

So that technically means that judgement is taking place every single day and a new soul each day is either sent to heaven or hell? And a second question would be, why would most souls on earth not get a chance to experience the beauty on earth because of let’s say early death, whilst the minority enjoy it to the fullest? I mean, if god is just (not accusing him of anything, just asking), why would he let some people give a lifetime to work out his/her salvation whilst to others only a short time? Any thoughts. I do realise that perhaps in the last question there might not be right or wrong answers technically, but still… Anyone?

 

[FrStevenJones]

It is interesting (and yet disturbing) to know that each day at least 200,000 people die. Some from diseases, others at infancy, others at abortion, wars, old age, etc…

So that technically means that judgement is taking place every single day and a new soul each day is either sent to heaven or hell? And a second question would be, why would most souls on earth not get a chance to experience the beauty on earth because of let’s say early death, whilst the minority enjoy it to the fullest? I mean, if god is just (not accusing him of anything, just asking), why would he let some people give a lifetime to work out his/her salvation whilst to others only a short time? Any thoughts. I do realise that perhaps in the last question there might not be right or wrong answers technically, but still… Anyone?

God does people headed for heaven a favor when he takes them early in their earthly life. Since heaven is paradise, if that is your destination, you are better off going right away.

For those not destined for heaven, God knows that. So whether their earthly life ends sooner or later, it doesn’t really matter because eternity is … forever!

 

[MindNight]

Thanks FrStevenJones,

But how can heaven be a “destination”, From what I’ve read, people choose their own destiny (in heaven or hell), no? Or maybe I’ve mistunderstood the context or something. Can you please clarify what you meant with God saving destined people (I thought people had free will)? I’m a bit puzzled…

 

[FrStevenJones]

Thanks FrStevenJones,

But how can heaven be a “destination”, From what I’ve read, people choose their own destiny (in heaven or hell), no? Or maybe I’ve mistunderstood the context or something. Can you please clarify what you meant with God saving destined people (I thought people had free will)? I’m a bit puzzled…

God is “all knowing”. He knows your whole life, before it happens. He’s not waiting to see what choices you will make. We don’t know if we will go to heaven, or hell, but God already knows

 

[ProdglArchitect]

Thanks FrStevenJones,

But how can heaven be a “destination”, From what I’ve read, people choose their own destiny (in heaven or hell), no? Or maybe I’ve mistunderstood the context or something. Can you please clarify what you meant with God saving destined people (I thought people had free will)? I’m a bit puzzled…

Destined isn’t quite the right word, because it implies a lack of choice. That being said, since God it outside of time, he is aware of the choices we will make, and therefore knows our final resting place. Please do not confuse this with predestination, which implies a lack of choice; regardless of whether God knows it in advance of not, our final resting place remains a result of our own choices.

As to your question, We cannot know why some people die young while others live long lives, we’re not God. Many of those who die young are likely doing so in spite of God’s desires (such as those who are killed through abortion, or other forms of murder). Certain others, such as people born with degenerative diseases, may die young as an act of mercy. Others still may die young so that a good may come of it (a conversion of the heart or recognition of the frailty and beauty of life, for example) While it is quite sad for us who are left when a child dies young, for that child (who is incapable of sin due to lacking the requisite knowledge) it is likely a call for rejoicing, because they are at peace eternally.

As others have said, if an evil person dies young, there’s a good chance it’s a result of their own choices (such as gang members, of those who are involved in dangerous and immoral activities) God allows them to die because it’s what they have chosen through their lifestyle; I doubt it’s what he wanted, but he allows us to use our free will however we see fit, even if we see fit to reject him. I would lay odds that if God sees even a chance at repentance in a person’s future, He will do all he can to ensure that the person stays alive to chose.

 

[MindNight]

While it is quite sad for us who are left when a child dies young, for that child (who is incapable of sin due to lacking the requisite knowledge) it is likely a call for rejoicing, because they are at peace eternally.

Ok, let me put it another way then: we know that the earth is a temporary abode in order to prepare spiritually for the next life. But the main issue is that not everyone has an equal amount of time here on earth to prepare, so that means that essentially the person who died young (even in a state of non-mortal or venial sin) did not have the same opportunities to become a great saint like Bl. JPII, St. Pio, St. Theresa, etc… See what I am technically getting at? The young death people might have become great theologians, priests, or other great beacons of light in the world if they lived longer, and posess similar qualities of sainthood to the great doctors or canonised people of the catholic church.

 

[ProdglArchitect]

Ok, let me put it another way then: we know that the earth is a temporary abode in order to prepare spiritually for the next life. But the main issue is that not everyone has an equal amount of time here on earth to prepare, so that means that essentially the person who died young (even in a state of non-mortal or venial sin) did not have the same opportunities to become a great saint like Bl. JPII, St. Pio, St. Theresa, etc… See what I am technically getting at? The young death people might have become great theologians, priests, or other great beacons of light in the world if they lived longer, and posess similar qualities of sainthood to the great doctors or canonised people of the catholic church.

Actually, if they die young and outside of a state of mortal sin, then they are great saints, just not ones that accomplished great things during their earthy tenure. A saint is simply a person whom has made it to heaven. The saints we have are saints because either they were martyred for their faith, or because there have been miracles that occurred through their intercession (which is how we know they are in Heaven). They were not able to accomplish great things in life, but that does not lessen their sainthood.

It may seem sad to us, but that is because we are still alive, and are therefore limited in our understanding of Heaven. We still see their lack of living as a bad thing because we are alive, and view being alive as a positive thing. To those in Heaven, to be forced back into our world, and be once again deprived of the Beatific Vision of God, would be the ultimate cruelty. We mourn them for their lack of life, while they mourn us for being deprived the fullness of God’s glory in our petty mortal states.

Do not feel sorry for those who died young, envy them their peace and assurances, which none of us who live long lives on Earth can lay claim to.

 

[MindNight]

Do not feel sorry for those who died young, envy them their peace and assurances, which none of us who live long lives on Earth can lay claim to.

Ok fair enough, as long as any soul in heaven (regardless of age, gender, race etc…) is eternally joyfull and content to be with God, there is indeed nothing for me to feel bad about. I simply didn’t want to imagine them being deprived of earthly knowledge, but if the beatific vision is so glorious, then what am I to argue about. I think you managed to convince me on that one May God Bless you and FrJones!

 

[ProdglArchitect]

Ok fair enough, as long as any soul in heaven (regardless of age, gender, race etc…) is eternally joyfull and content to be with God, there is indeed nothing for me to feel bad about. I simply didn’t want to imagine them being deprived of earthly knowledge, but if the beatific vision is so glorious, then what am I to argue about. I think you managed to convince me on that one May God Bless you and FrJones!

I’m glad we were able to help ^^

As to the beatific vision, it really is that good, and I can tell you why.

God is all that is good, all that is love. Everything that we view as positive stems directly from Him. So, if you get to spend eternity with the perfect good, the perfect love, and the perfect happiness, I’d say you’re going to be pretty happy as well. The joy we feel doing our favorite activity is nothing in comparison to the joy we’ll feel through a direct connection with God ^^

I am glad you are considering returning to the Faith, I have done so just recently and have never been happier ^^ There’s a certain greater joy that comes with making the decision for yourself, rather than simply relying on the faith of your parents, or attending simply because it’s what you’ve done your whole life. I pray that your search returns a happiness a hundred fold greater than my own ^^

 

[Arizona_Mike]

To one who has a short, poor unhappy life, greater allowance might be made. If you live a long, comparatively healthy life with a wealth of material resources and a happy family life, much more might be expected of you.