# Both saints and sinners will die
*2019-03-03*

> Bill Young reflects on the universality of death and the importance of mercy, sacrificial giving, and prayer in preparing for judgment.

## The Certainty of Death

Today is Monday, March 4th. News has come out that Luke Perry passed away at age 52. While I don't know his religious beliefs, people always say nice things when someone dies, and he was known as a very nice person. I don't know if that alone will get someone to heaven, but prayers can certainly help.

The title of today's show comes from the musical Hamilton: "Both sinners and saints will die." We are all going to die, and we must consider how we will be judged. Following the Ten Commandments and loving your neighbor as yourself are essential. I often suggest listening to my 'Connecting the Dots in Heaven' episodes to get a better idea of how we can reach heaven.

## Lenten Sacrifices and Giving

With Ash Wednesday approaching, many of us are contemplating what to give up for Lent. It could be something small or something large—coffee, soda, dessert, or candy. One year, I gave up alcohol during an 11-day cruise, which was a significant challenge for me.

In a self-retreat written by Father Michael Gaitley, he discusses 'Sacrificial Giving.' He shared how, as a student, he would give up a soda and contribute that money to charity. This is a powerful way to practice the spirit of the season.

## Supporting Families in Need

I am involved with the Ariel Anchor Cancer Foundation. The founder, Diana Trevelli, lost her daughter to cancer about 13 years ago when she was 12 or 13. Another board member, Monica, lost her son when he was only nine. Monica was a single mother with two other children while her son was receiving treatment at St. Jude's. 

Bills still have to be paid during these tragedies, and that is why charities like ours get involved—to help families one at a time. We are a small charity, not a giant like St. Jude's, but we have been doing this work for nearly ten years. If you are able to give, please feel free to look us up.

## Prayer for the Departed

Since it is the 3 o'clock hour, we pray for Luke Perry and all the souls who died today, that they may be helped out of Purgatory. Jesus told us that it is very difficult for a rich man to enter heaven. Many of us in this country, even those who consider themselves middle class, would be considered rich by global standards. We all need to work on our humility and our charity.

To that end, we pray the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy and the Novena of Divine Mercy, asking the Eternal Father to look upon the souls of those separated from the Church and immerse them in the ocean of His mercy.

*We should use the season of Lent to practice sacrificial giving and prayer, remembering that we will all eventually face judgment.*