Momento Mori

“What you are, we once were. What we are, you will be.” -This quote is above the door of the Capuchin Crypt in Rome, a church where human bones are part of the decor as a reminder that we will die.

A tough topic, but keep reading! :)

We have a 100% chance of dying, but when? Unlike milk, we are not stamped with expiration dates.

Memento Mori, meaning 'remember you die' in Latin, is a practice that encourages people to reflect on their mortality, allowing them to live their lives with focus and purpose.

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” -Ferris Bueller

Am I missing it?

While Ferris is busy with his mischievous frivolity, he makes a valuable point. The minutes are precious and passing while I am busily distracted by my ordinary, everyday, first-world cares.

A little self-indulgent here, and a little ego-driven there. I often then vow to re-attempt “better living” on the following Monday. (Repeated on all Mondays)

There will come a time, however, when I have no more time.

What if that happens before the following Monday?

Am I prepared for that? Errr…ummmm…maybe not quite.

Romans 8:1-13 instructs us not to live by the flesh, or all of our desires, but to die to them.

The skeleton has long lost its flesh, earthly temptations, and ability to change course.

While I still have my flesh, temptations, and ability to change course, the skeleton is a red alert warning for me to start walking with purpose right now, don’t wait until next Monday!

Am I ready for my expiration date right now?

In what ways am I wasting/procrastinating my time?

What issues do I need to course-correct in my life today?

Many people practice Memento Mori by keeping a skull in their sight on a shelf or wearing it as jewelry.

Do you practice Memento Mori?

If so, how do you live it out?