Holy Death From Living a Holy Life – Mar 18 – Homily – Fr Matthias

 

Fr Matthias gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Mar 18, 2026, urging listeners to prepare for a happy death by living a holy life now in the presence of Jesus and Mary, as St. Joseph did.

In today's Gospel, Jesus promises eternal life to those who hear His word and believe. Fr. Matthias connects this to the grace of a happy death, spotlighting St. Joseph, whose solemnity is tomorrow. St. Joseph is the patron of a happy death because he died in the company of Jesus and Mary, having lived with them faithfully. He teaches that the path to dying well is living well—invoking Jesus and Mary daily, forgiving enemies, and using God's abundant graces in every moment. By doing so now, we ensure holiness at our final hour, happily passing from death to life.

USCCB John 5 – Gospel eternal life promise – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/5?24
Catholic Answers – St. Joseph's happy death – https://www.catholic.com/magazine/online-edition/how-should-we-pray-when-death-approaches
EWTN – Patronage of St. Joseph – https://www.ewtn.com/programs/5511-st.-joseph:-patron-of-a-happy-death
CCC 532 – St. Joseph Holy Family – https://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/532.htm
CCC 1013 – Christian view of death – https://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1013.htm

00:00 - Introduction
00:22 - Happy Death Importance
00:40 - St. Joseph Patron Explained
01:20 - Live Holy Die Holy
02:12 - Use Graces Daily

Ave Maria!

Mass: Wednesday 4th Week of Lent - Wkdy
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/031826.cfm
1st: Isaiah 49:8-15
Resp: Psalms 145:8-9, 13-14, 17-18
Gsp: John 5:17-30

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1760

Also on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBYtzVnBawo