Appendix
Resource 1
Preparing for Eternal Life by Terelyn Santos
What do we hope to hear at the end of our life? “Come, you blessed of my Father. Possess the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” (Matthew 25:34) After caring for the terminally ill as a registered nurse and a chaplain for many years, I have felt called by God to write this paper. My hope is that this information will help people who are in the latter years of their life (baby boomer era) or people with a terminal illness prepare themselves for eternal life.
In order not to miss important points and to make them more readily accessible when needed, I have divided this paper by headings:
Ethical Issues: We believe in the dignity and the inherent value of every human life from conception to natural death (CCC 2258-2317). For this reason, if there are any concerns about an ethical treatment of your loved one or yourself, you can present and discuss the situation with a Catholic bioethicist at the National Catholic Bioethicist Center in Washington D.C. at no charge. They have a bioethicist on call 24 hours/day (215-877-2660 for emergencies) or contact them by email (https://www.ncbcenter.org/ask-a-question)
The Unexpected Trial and Discernment of the Will of God: When we are given a terminal diagnosis, we are typically not ready to receive such news. This would be the same for those who know and love us. Along with deep emotions also comes medical decisions to be made: should I do this recommended treatment or surgery? If I do this, what is my expected prognosis? How will this affect me and my loved ones? Once we have determined whether the treatment is ethically sound, it is so important to take all the information given to you, discuss it with your loved ones and medical power of attorney if you have one, and then take it to prayer. Seek the Lord’s will for you in this trial. Does he want you to do this treatment or not? Seeking God’s will and following it can only give you peace. You will have peace because His grace and love will be with you whether it’s for a miraculous cure, a medical cure, or the healing of your soul in preparations for eternal life with Him. The goal of our life is always sanctity so when the end of our life comes, we can be with Him in heaven for all eternity.
Forgiveness: In Matthew 6:9-15, the Lord teaches us how to pray well in teaching us the Our Father prayer. After he teaches this, he immediately emphasized the importance of forgiveness contained in the prayer. In fact, Jesus also mentions in Matthew 18:35 that if we do not forgive others from our hearts, we ourselves will not be forgiven. This is a condition to enter into the Kingdom of God. To forgive from our heart means that we must WILL it by the grace of God. This doesn’t mean we will never remember a hurt, but in forgiving by the grace of God, we are set free from the chains that have held us in spiritual and emotional bondage. Granting forgiveness to others and or asking forgiveness from another person sets not only ourselves free, but also the other person. “The Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” (Colossians 3:13) Forgiveness is exemplified by Jesus’ example on the Cross. It’s an act of mercy.