This will be read at my funeral

It's my birthday today.

And while I generally like to reflect on the gift of these years God has given me and how thankful I am for his grace in my life, I decided instead to reflect on death. (I bet you didn't see that one coming.)

"That's a little morbid for your birthday, isn't it, Jon?" Probably. But it's my party and I'll cry if I want to.

You see, I pray a lot that God will give me a long life. A life to see 50+ years of marriage, my kids all grown up and the graduations of my grandchildren.

And while that may happen, I also know it may not.

What I do know for sure, however, is that someday--hopefully a long time from now--my heart will give way and my body lay still.

And while, for some, it's easier to cast this reality aside as some inconvenient truth, I say with many who have gone before me, memento mori (remember death).

Everyday, remember that this most precious gift of life is but the very means to our salvation--life eternal with God.

So, don't be afraid. Thank God for another day and live it to the full.

Most importantly, join me in praying that the prayer of Jesus in today's Gospel (which will be read at my funeral) will ring true in our souls.

God bless you.