St. Alphonsus Liguori's Preparation for Death: Considerations on the Eternal Maxims

WHY READ THIS BOOK?BECAUSE: the span of time in which our life is contained is merely nothing within the continuum of eternity to eternity; yet, everything that we do (or don't do) in it determines which of the two final destinations we shall spend our eternity in. To the elect, the earth is nothing but a temporary and crumbling bridge over a sea of chaos which must be crossed in order to reach our Heavenly Home. But for the others, it is a place to rest from traveling and a means of devising all sorts of vain things in order to swim in that sea. Unlike the elect, this distracted group of souls never cross over to the other side of the bridge; but rather, are eventually submerged and overcome by the depths of confusion that they loved so much.But those who belong to the elect are not so easily duped; and when they do fall, they get up, beg the Lord's pardon, and carry on their persevering march through the briers and thorns knowing that nothing great was ever achieved without much agony and endurance. They also know that when they cross over to the other side they will immediately forget all that they suffered. These are the people whom in life make earnest preparation for death. They moreover, have no fear of death. Rather, they anticipate it with gladness; and although they can never be absolutely certain of their readiness to appear before the Tribunal of God, they approach that inevitable moment with great confidence in the Absolute Goodness and Infinite Mercy of God. These are the people who are en route to their earthly perfection and long for the day that they will be united with Him, Whom they have ever sought.Many of us, however, whom hope to be counted among the elect realize that we are often far from traveling the bridge in the manner just described. It is for that reason that we should attentively read what is contained in this book. We ought, furthermore, to expect (and thus be prepared for) that as death becomes imminent and our final agony approaches, all hell will be leagued against our soul; for, as St. Alphonsus tells us: "the dying are more strongly tempted by the devils, and are less able to assist themselves." Nevertheless, onto our defense, the very last chapter of this book, Motives and Affections to be Suggested to the Dying, may very well prove to be (in conjunction with the Grace of a very holy priest at our side) an invaluable aid unto our happy departure from this world and entrance into a blessed eternity.Finally, we have included some commentary on the nearness of death, by St. Thomas More. Read more