A story is told of a man named Satheus who died and was brought back to life by St. John.
According to Satheus’s report, the experience was far from pleasant one.
It is not hard to imagine that he made different life choices as a result.
Those who witnessed his death and resuscitation must have had a lot to ponder as well.
Ignatius of Loyola suggested an important practice for anyone who wants to embody a vital life of faith: Consider your actions as if you were on our deathbed. From that perspective, how would you wish you had made the choice you are facing?
Reflection now can help us to live more fully and have fewer regrets.
My Prayer:
Eternal One, thank you for the helpful practices that clarify my way forward.
Invitation to Prayer:
As you look at this image, where do your eyes want to linger? What does your heart feel? What words of prayer come to your mind? Pray them.
Scriptural Touchstone:
I turned to consider wisdom and madness and folly… Ecclesiastes 2:12 NRSV
Images
These images of the death of Satheus are from the John the Evangelist window at Chartres Cathedral (1205-15).
Other Posts in this Series
Life and Death
Talking about Death
Suffering
Hanging On Before Letting Go
Goodbye
Pray with Jill Geoffrion 
Hi Jill, This is profound. Thank you! I’m curious about the little spirit arising from Satheus’ lips as he dies. Is that his soul and if so, what is that red being above it. My impression is that it’s satan…but can that be? In love and gratitude, Linda
On Mon, Mar 30, 2020 at 2:58 PM Pray with Jill Geoffrion wrote:
> Jill K H Geoffrion posted: ” A story is told of a man named Satheus who > died and was brought back to life by St. John. According to Satheus’s > report, the experience was far from pleasant one. It is not hard to imagine > that he made different life choices as a result. ” >
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Linda, as always you are very observant. Yes, that is a soul…many more images of them to come. Their appear to be two demons who are trying to take his soul away.
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