Why We Say 'Memento Mori'

About this sermon

You may have heard the phrase memento mori (remember your death)—especially if you hang out with those strange Catholics—but did you know there are three meanings woven into those two words? Sure, the immediate thought that comes to mind may be the fact that someday we will die; and this is good to remember because that day could be any day, so we should live accordingly. What people may not recognize, though, is that memento mori could also be a reminder to the Christian that we have died to ourselves, so that we may gain eternal life in Christ. As St. Paul says, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). The life you live is not your own. Remember, as a Christian you have died to yourself. Entering your day with that in mind may be difficult if you want to live for yourself, but it could also be liberating if we give everything to God. Thirdly, it is good to “remember your death” because it is a reminder of the joy that will come when we live with Christ for eternity. Remembering our death in that way can fill us with the strongest kind of hope. Check out Fr. Mike’s newest project, Quick Catholic Lessons with Fr. Mike (https://bit.ly/2PmpYzw), a feature-packed teacher’s guide designed to accompany Fr. Mike’s most popular videos, presented on a convenient DVD. Teachers, catechists, and youth ministers can supplement USCCB curriculum, prompt small-group discussion, and answer students’ questions easily and powerfully with this teacher’s guide and DVD. Fr. Mike is also a presenter in these faith formation programs from Ascension: Belonging: Baptism in the Family of God (https://bit.ly/2vQgGRx) Chosen: This is Your Catholic Faith (https://bit.ly/2nCKKLK) Altaration: The Mystery of the Mass Revealed (https://bit.ly/2vG9KX2) YOU: Life, Love, and the Theology of the Body (https://bit.ly/2raspVB) Get 18 of Fr. Mike’s best Ascension Presents videos in this exclusive DVD from Ascension: Ascension Presents … Fr. Mike Schmitz (http://bit.ly/2sKUnJN) Fr. Mike spoke at the Ascension Cafe during the World Meeting of Families. Watch him and other speakers get fired up over the gospel in the Ascension Cafe DVD (http://bit.ly/2sYtQaW). MORE FROM ASCENSION: Ascension’s main website: http://ascensionpress.com Ascension Media: https://media.ascensionpress.com Ascension Presents: https://blog.ascensionpress.com/category/ascension-presents/ Ascension Blog: https://blog.ascensionpress.com/category/ascension-blog/ Ascension Podcasts: https://blog.ascensionpress.com/category/ascension-podcasts/ SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AscensionPress/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/AscensionPress LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascension-press Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ascensionpress/ Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/ascensionpresents