Today is the feast of St. Martin of Tours. I was reading a letter by Sulpicius Severus on how St. Martin of Tours died (Epist. 3,6, 9-10. 11. 14-17. 21: SC 133, 336-344)
Now you would think that at the hour of death, you would hear heavenly music, feel the flutter of angel wings, see your loved ones waiting for you down that tunnel with a beckoning light. That's not necessarily so. That wasn't my near death experience, nor was it Saint Martin of Tours.
Sulpicius Severus writes, "...he saw the devil standing near. 'Why do you stand there, you bloodthirsty brute?' he cried. 'Murderer, you will not have me for your prey. Abraham is welcoming me into his embrace.'"
So don't be scared if you don't see angels, scream at Satan, like St. Martin did. Fr. Nic Austriaco, once explained that Satan often waits to attack then. It's his last chance.
That's why the Dominican friars sing Salve around a death bed. They call it the Salve Squad. And don't forget that St. Michael the Archangel will protect you. Do not be afraid of death. God is with you. St. Michael will walk you to heaven. Just remember to pray on the way. It will chase Satan away.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of death.
Now you would think that at the hour of death, you would hear heavenly music, feel the flutter of angel wings, see your loved ones waiting for you down that tunnel with a beckoning light. That's not necessarily so. That wasn't my near death experience, nor was it Saint Martin of Tours.
Sulpicius Severus writes, "...he saw the devil standing near. 'Why do you stand there, you bloodthirsty brute?' he cried. 'Murderer, you will not have me for your prey. Abraham is welcoming me into his embrace.'"
So don't be scared if you don't see angels, scream at Satan, like St. Martin did. Fr. Nic Austriaco, once explained that Satan often waits to attack then. It's his last chance.
That's why the Dominican friars sing Salve around a death bed. They call it the Salve Squad. And don't forget that St. Michael the Archangel will protect you. Do not be afraid of death. God is with you. St. Michael will walk you to heaven. Just remember to pray on the way. It will chase Satan away.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of death.
