The hard truth of death

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"I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." -John 15:5

In our modern pluralistic society, the attribution of human decency and good works that others do are used in order to determine the state of one's eternal soul (if anyone even believes such a thing anymore). But here, we see that Christ says that nothing can be done without Him. What does this mean? Surely some will scoff, thinking that a man does not need religion in order to be good to his neighbor or to help the poor. 

This much is true. A man can show human decency without ascribing to any particular faith. But is being decent the core of religion in general? Truth be told, traditional Christianity is far more internally focused.

Many may say that it is faith in God that is most important. Many will say if you ask them that they believe in God or in a god or energy or something. But the manner of speech ascribes something external. Or if it is internal, it is shallow, a form of meditation, a "feeling" from within requiring no actual change in the heart or mind or soul.

But in Christianity, you are not a bad person in need of becoming good or "centered". Rather you are a dead person in need of resurrection, for it says "you were dead in your trespasses and sins. (Ephesians 2:1)"

Do not put your trust in princes,
Nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help.
His spirit departs, he returns to his earth;
In that very day his plans perish. -Psalm 146: 3-4

The issue with works, with our ideas, with the legacies and impact we wish to leave behind is that they do not last. This is why St. John Chrysostom says "the man who gives no heed to His words can have no life (Homily LXXVI on John XIV)."

This is also why the Christian faith is constantly reminding us of death, not because we want a heaven or to escape a hell, but because remembering that we and our children and parents and all we see will die and perish and will not be remembered gives us a sobriety of life. Not the living life to the fullest that is the trope of our culture, our pop music, and movies. But an understanding of what we should be doing with ourselves.

"Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom." - Psalm 90:12

Beloved, let us remember the words of the saints, let us remember our death and gain a heart of wisdom. Let us ask of God as St. John Chrysostom did, "Teach me fear, remembrance of death and humility."

It is only with such a remembrance that the words of St. Isaac The Syrian make sense: "This life is given to you for repentance. Do not waste it in vain pursuits."

"As You know and as You will, have mercy." - Abba Macarius of The Desert Fathers