[Occasionally, some entries get repeated for one reason or another, the below from Adailton Batista first appeared here almost a year ago. @RivalAlmir tweeted it recently. Maybe it is time to enjoy it again especially as we begin Lent–ed..]
A certainty for all of us is this: The Lord comes to meet us, in his Second and Definitive Coming or we are going to encounter Him after our death! Either the Jesus comes or we go!! But the question is: Are you and I prepared to die? Are you close to death now? Will it be that you are going to stop reading this text??? Good, I hope so…The point of this idea of this reading is that you may have the opportunity of preparing yourself for DEATH.

Well, I want to make suggestion to you:

HEAVEN IS OUR PLACE, from there we come, to there we return.

We in the Canção Nova Community learn from Monsignor Jonas Abib, to make a monthly retreat preparing ourselves to encounter Christ.

The retreat is a true examination interior and exterior. We begin the retreat making an EXAMINATION of our soul and in our heart. Therefore, it is necessary to find a priest and make a good confession. Make a good examination of conscience. Review and search it all inside. Remove all bad thoughts and feelings. Debris such as anger, jealousy, envy, sadness, indifference, coldness, malice, revenge, rudeness, stupidity, lies … put it all out. It’s total housecleaning!

Do not be afraid, all counts, at the end, you need to remain clean in order to encounter God

Decide to forgive all those who have offended you. Forgive yourself yourself if necessary. Break out of gossip. Stop complaining about things, people and Life!
Notice where the more you gave into temptation and then resume the journey. Notice where you are still injured and seek prayer. Review your schedules, and each of its activities. Do not spend your time, that is so precious, in vanity.
Let us also make and an EXTERIOR EXAMINATION.

Have you noticed how many things you have that are not necessary which we just finished using, and waht is worse is that we hold on to them? Is everything you own, is it really necessary? You use everything you have? In your closet, see those clothes and shoes that no longer serve you, or for some reason you do not use them. Do not wait for the return of fashion, or the loss of extra pounds.

WHAT YOU DON’T USE DOES NOT BELONG TO YOU

Go to your drawers, and pockets … So many papers, cards, CDs and videos, boxes, wrapping paper, glass bottles and useless things just taking up space! “Throw it away!”Get it! Put your things in order. Are there “little papers”, “little cards”which have the power to bind us to the nostalgia, the past, keeping us from living the present.
What we need, we maintain and look after with zeal. What is not necessary, and may be useful to someone, we give as presents. But what is of no use to anyone we throw away.
The devil hides in the dirt, and clutter! He is disgusting and wants to put trash in our souls and in our house … So open up now all the mess and dirt from your home, work environments under your responsibility.

By making a good death retreat once a month,you’ll be more prepared each month to meet with God!
We at Canção Nova (New Song), always do our retreat at the end of each month …
Choose your date and make the experience.
Deus abençoe você! [God Bless You]

Adailton Silva

translated from Portuguese