Christ achieved this victory by rising from the dead and freeing man from death. Hence a solidly established faith gives him the power to be united in Christ with his loved ones who have already been snatched away by death; faith arouses the hope that they have found true life with God.
However, Jesus did not come to eliminate all suffering on Earth. He came to free humanity from the greatest slavery, sin. Sin prevents us from fulfilling our calling as children of God and leads to various forms of bondage.
Through Baptism, the Christian has already 'died with Christ' sacramentally, to live a new life; if we die in Christ's grace, physical death completes this 'dying with Christ.'
Christian life involves dying to our sinful desires and living according to what is truly good. This is made possible by the grace that God showers upon us.
In the face of death, the truth that "here we have no lasting city" becomes evident. Lack of understanding, persecution, and loneliness remind us of this truth. Even though we may be surrounded by loved ones, every person ultimately dies alone.
Life is short, time is limited, and our time on Earth is a treasure, the "money" with which to buy eternity. Our days will come to an end, and we'll be judged by our deeds. Nothing on earth has permanent value. All that this earth can offer us is continually passing away: hardly has pleasure begun than it is already ended. God will come for us only once. He should find us well prepared to enter happiness without end.
"Now is the time to untie all the bonds that bind us. Let us prepare ourselves at all times for that step which will bring us into the eternal presence of the Most Holy Trinity."
How can we be ready for death?
One way is the nightly examination of conscience and frequent sacramental Confession.
Another is to pray from time to time a prayer for the acceptance of death.
Here is one example: "Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, I accept whatever kind of death you choose to send me today, with all its pains and sorrows, as reparation for my sins, for the souls in purgatory, for the conversion of sinners, for all those who will die today, and for your greater glory. Amen."
Another is to stay close to Our Lady and St. Joseph. Recall that in every Hail Mary, we ask the Blessed Virgin Mary to "pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death."
Joseph is the patron of a happy death because he died in the presence of Jesus and Mary.
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