Preparation for Death

Desiderius Erasmus (by Albrecht Dürer, 1526)

We are assured of victory over death, victory over the flesh, victory over the world and Satan. Christ promises us remission of sins, fruits in this life, a hundred-fold, and thereafter life eternal. And for what reason? For the sake of our merit? No indeed, but through the grace of faith which is in Christ Jesus. We are the more secure because he is first our doctor. He first overcame the lapse of Adam, nailed our sins to the cross, sealed our redemption with his blood, which has been confirmed by the testimonies of the prophets, apostles, martyrs, and virgins and by the universal Church of the saints. He added the seal of the Spirit lest we should waver in our confidence… What could we little worms do of ourselves? Christ is our justification. Christ is our victory, Christ is our hope and security. “Unto us a child is born.” Unto us, born for us, given for us. He it is who teaches us, cures our diseases, casts out demons, for us suffers hunger and thirst, is afflicted, endures the agonies of death, sweats bloods, for us is conquered, wounded, dead and resurrected, and sits at the right hand of God the Father. As we approach death the sacraments are not to be despised, but of greater importance are faith and charity without which all else is vain… Christ said “Come unto me all ye that labor.” Take refuge then is his cave in the rocks. Flee to his wounds and you will be safe. The way to enter paradise is the way of the penitent thief. Say simply, “Thy will be done. The world to me is crucified and I to the world.”

Desiderius Erasmus, A Treatise on Preparation for Death (Praeparatio ad mortem (1534)