Conversation on death, with Christian de Cacqueray

In Conversation sur la mort with Christian de Cacqueray, don Paul Denizot talks openly about death. The eclipse of death in our secularized West is undoubtedly a factor in our anguish. What if we looked it in the face? It is part of life, and even teaches us how to approach life. In terms of faith, more than a term, it is an encounter with a person, Christ.

Let’s look death in the face

In Africa, for example, death is part of life. It is accepted, mourned and celebrated. In France, it is hidden, turned into a taboo. The postmoderns do not want to hear about it, because they refuse to accept their limits, weakness or vulnerability. Death remains the last obstacle to their omnipotence. They refuse to think about death or choose to cause it artificially, which is another way of avoiding it.

In fact, death teaches how to approach life

Death can be seen as a way to to approach life, first and foremost by taking the time to celebrate the beautiful things in our lives, instead of being always on the go. It reminds us that the bonds of love continue beyond death. And also, the good death should be rediscovered. Yes, there is such a thing as a good death. It is a death that is prepared and experienced with the support of others. Indeed, despite suffering and our limitations, beautiful things can happen at the moment of death, which can make us realize that love could be stronger than death.

Death is an encounter with a person

In dying, Christ joined us in this absurd moment of death, transforming it, transfiguring it, overcoming it. Death and resurrection are at the heart of our faith. Christian salvation is not an idea but a person. Faced with death, Christians can feel anguish, like everyone else, but their faith does not protect them from fear, questions, doubts or even despair. On the other hand, it profoundly assures him of the presence of the Risen Christ, who accompanies him throughout his life and comes to meet him at the moment of death. Christ’s resurrection is the certainty that love is stronger than death!

The kingdom of God is already here and not yet

The Christian lives in a state of tension, an “already there and not yet”, that is to say, he awaits the fulfillment of the kingdom of God, which is already in our midst today. Just because we’re focused on the realities of the world to come doesn’t mean we’re not living fully in the present. When we ask Mary to pray for us “now and at the hour of our death”, it shows that there are two important moments in our lives: “the hour of our death” and “now”. You have to hold both. It’s not a matter of running away. Today, we can ask ourselves, “Am I able to perceive where the kingdom is manifesting itself in my life?”