Preparation for Death by St. Alphonsus

Death viewed according to the senses terrifies and causes fear; but when viewed with the eyes of faith it consoles and becomes desirable. It appears terrible to sinners, but lovely and precious to the saints. - St. Alphonsus Liguori

In this popular abridgment of his monumental Preparation for Death, St. Alphonsus teaches the proper attitude toward death, which is one of readiness; of always having one's "debts cleared". He cautions against letting even one day pass without reflecting on the certainty of death, the shortness of time and the length of eternity.

Each chapter is a short consideration on some aspect of death, divided into three points easily understood by people in every state of life. Each point is followed by reflections and prayers to help one persevere in his efforts to lead a holy life, St. Alphonsus prefaces each chapter with a quotation from Scripture designed to touch the heart of every reader.

Death is the one journey every man must go through alone. This book demonstrates how only consistent, thoughtful meditation on this reality can set people on a more resolute path to holiness.