“Remember, man, you are dust and to dust you will return.” This is what we’re told on Ash Wednesday; this is our focus for Lent.
Lent is a call to remember the death of Christ and the sacrifice so that we can have eternal life. Traditionally, Lent was not just a time to contemplate the death and passion of Our Lord, it was also a time to consider our own inevitable death.
Memento mori (‘remember you will die’) is the ancient Christian practice of contemplating death and especially our own. Rather than to give into the hopelessness of decay, we know that flesh and bone will rise in the Resurrection. But to get to the joy of Easter Sunday, we must also endure the pain of Good Friday.
This week, Michael is joined by Sr. Theresa Aletheia Noble to answer the question, “How does reflecting on death bring us closer to understanding Christ’s death and Resurrection?” As a former atheist who has studied and practiced memento mori in her own spiritual life, Sr. Theresa offers some fascinating insights on how the contemplation of death can lead to a more fruitful Lent and a more joyful Easter.
To learn how the lost practice of Memento mori can enrich your Lent, listen below or on your favorite podcast app.
Sr. Theresa is the author of Remember Your Death: Memento Mori Lenten Devotional and also find the Lenten journal wherever you buy books. We highly recommend ordering the bundle through Pauline Books for some beautiful vinyl decals. Visit Sr. Theresa at her website, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram for some beautiful reflections on Memento Mori and other spiritual topics.
The Lenten Practice of Memento Mori
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