Sister Death

Rejoicing at the death of someone we love may seem strange. But this is what St Benedict did, at the death of his sister Scholastica. ‘He rejoiced and gave thanks to Almighty God in hymns and praises, and made known to the brethren that she was dead,’ we read.

Because ‘to die is gain’ (Philippians 1, 21). To die is ‘to depart and be with Christ’ (Philippians 1, 23). To die is to be with Jesus and to reign with Him for ever ‘in joy unspeakable and full of glory’ (1 Peter 1, 8)