Spiritual Exercise Two: Advance Directives for Health Care
Testifying to Resurrection Hope
“ If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.”
Preparing your advance directives is more than a legal necessity; it is a profound act of stewardship. Throughout our lives, we care for the bodies God has entrusted to us through nourishment, rest, and prayer. This exercise is simply the final movement of that care—a way to "testify" when our own voices may grow quiet.
Advance directives are often seen simply as "end-of-life planning." In the Church, we see them as an Act of Witness. By deciding now how you wish to be cared for, you are not merely filling out a form; you are stewarding the body God gave you and offering a final gift of clarity to those you love.
By documenting your wishes now, you provide:
Clarity in a time of confusion, acting as a guide for those you leave behind.
Peace where there might be conflict, removing the burden of doubt from your family.
Permission for your loved ones to let go, knowing they are honoring your holy transition and your trust in the Resurrection.
A Practice for Every Season
While we often associate these conversations with the end of life, the practice of witnessing to our hope is for every person at every stage. Whether you are a young adult embarking on a new chapter, a parent caring for a family, or an elder reflecting on a long journey, documenting your trust in God is a gift of clarity for those who walk alongside you. We do not know the day or the hour; we simply know that in all seasons, we belong to God.
Humility
The Grace of Limitation.
Acknowledge that there may come a time when you cannot speak for yourself. This is not a loss of dignity, but an entry into the vulnerability of Christ on the Cross.
Charity
A Gift to Your Kin.
Making these decisions now relieves your family of the crushing burden of "guessing" your wishes during a crisis. It is a profound act of love.
Hope
The Resurrection Promise.
We plan for the end of this life because we are certain of the beginning of the next. Our directives reflect our trust in the "Communion of Saints."
Before You Begin the Paperwork...
Before you open the documents or look at the legalities, take a moment to breathe. This is not a task to be checked off a list; it is a conversation with yourself and with God.
It is natural to feel a sense of resistance. We live in a culture that avoids the reality of our finitude. But in the Church, we look toward the end with a different lens. We look with curiosity about how God is calling us to trust, and with gratitude for the life we have been given to steward.
Consider this your "Quiet Hour." Turn off your notifications. Light a candle. Recognize that the emotions you feel—whether they are peace, anxiety, or even a bit of humor—are all part of your prayer.
Questions for the Journey
Where do I see God's presence in my current health and strength?
If I could no longer speak, what is the one thing I would want my family to know about my trust in Jesus Christ?
Who are the people in my life who best understand my faith and my values—the ones I trust to be my voice?
What does "dying well" look like to me in the light of the Resurrection?
[Button: Download the Advance Directives Guide (PDF)]
You Are Not Alone in This…
This exercise often brings up unexpected emotions—fear, sadness, or regret. This is not a failure; it is a sign of God at work within you. Speak to your clergy. They are available to walk with you through these conversations. The Church offers prayer, reconciliation, and healing as you navigate this process.