Photos: Kenny Joseph

When I saw these photos of the snake bird, they reminded me of some sudden deaths that have been part of this year's experience for me – the death of a dear nephew, of a parishioner who drowned and of a brother of one of my religious sisters forced me to meditate on death which seems at times so arbitrary.

One taken, one left. All the consoling words we hear from others ring hollow.

They say, "God knows best". They tell us “He has gone to a better place” or "the good die young".

Nothing makes sense at the time. The snake bird preens his wings and coolly surveys the scene waiting to plunge on some poor unsuspecting victim.

Perhaps all we can do is to enter into the whole mystery of nature in which death is a part of life and feel ourselves just one minute part of the whole universal chain of life.

Our death now or later is inevitable. Welcome Sister Death. Welcome Sister Life.

NOTE

Dear Readers, I would like to thank all those who have sent e-mails or dropped messages at my home commenting on this column.
Next year I would like your help to keep it going. Would you like to send your photos and a short meditation to Catholic News? If your photo is used, you will be acknowledged.
I cannot promise a prize! Then your photos can be collected at Catholic News.
Thank you. I look forward to your co-operation.
Sr Annette