Amavimus, Amamus, Amabimus ("We loved, we love, we continue to love")

Luke 20:37-38: "The God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Now He is not the God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto Him."

"What is Death"

The ultimate question of "What is Death" has intrigued and fascinated generations from generations of the "Why" and the "How" to face  it. Death is instrumental to our life, and  we must look forward to meet and welcome it with joy and great anticipation. Death is not a condition but a transition; not an abiding-place, but a passage; not a house, but a doorway. The Scripture refers to it as a birth--"the first-born from the dead" It is an exodus --"after my exodus, " says the Psalmist. The Apostle Peter referred to Death as a striking of the tent that "I must shortly put off this tabernacle;" as the weighing of an anchor--"the time for me to loose-off from the shore is come." Each of these metaphors accentuates and explained to us the fact what  Death is but a momentary act. We are absent from the body one moment, and present with the Lord the next.

Death will not destroy Our Persistent Personality

 In that other field we shall surely recognize each other, and shall be as close at heart of similar character, meaning as closer than we were in long-past happy days, when heart to heart had sweet converse and  co-operated in useful ministry. Abraham will still be Abraham; Isaac will still be Issac, and Taniela Fonua will still be Taniela Fonua; and you will still be you. We will not become bodiless ghosts, but living personalities etherealized, spiritualized and transfigured. Moses and Elijah were recognized as such by the startled disciples on the Transfiguration mount; and Mary knew the Master in the Garden. What gain would it have been that Jesus promised the dying thief that he should be with Him in Paradise, if, when he reached there, he could not recognize the Lord?

Death will not destroy Our Persistent Love: 

 We believe that Love will never fail. But how can it exist without an object or vessel to dwell in, and how can it forget? Jesus did promise us the "many mansions, " because  He meant that there should be homes for us after this life ends. Jesus knows that the heart clings, even in the light of Resurrection, to the dear objects of human affection, else He would never have mentioned Peter's name, nor have sent a message to His disciples, nor come a second time for Thomas. And will He ignore those natural cravings for us, whom He has loved better than Himself? How deep and sweet is Jesus' assurance: "My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?..."

"Amavimus, Amamus, Amabimus"

We loved, we love, we shall continue to love. And who shall challenge the truth or appositeness of these words? (Charles Kingsley)

Heavenly Father, Deliver us the fear of death; and when our  eyes open in the dawn of heaven, may we see Thee standing to welcome us, and may we receive Thy Kingdom Come, and Well-done my faithful servant.... AMEN.


Truly love you all,

Taniela Fonua (aka) Lapaifonua