Freely Embracing Death

Name: Freely Embracing Death
Author: Jorge Mario Bergoglio

This work explores the concept of death and its relationship to human existence. It argues that a fear of death is a fundamental aspect of human nature, but also suggests that this fear can be overcome through spiritual practices and a deeper understanding of one's own mortality. The text examines various cultural and philosophical perspectives on death, including the idea that it is a natural part of life and the concept of an afterlife. It also discusses the role of death in shaping human behavior and culture, including the ways in which societies often try to avoid or deny its reality. Ultimately, the work presents a vision of death as a transformative and liberating experience, one that can free individuals from their fears and anxieties and allow them to live more fully in the present moment.

By Jorge Mario Bergoglio · First published 2020 · Genre: Theology, Philosophy, Religious Studies · 989 words

First lines

JESUS TOOK HIS DEATH seriously, as he did his life. Anointed by the Spirit, he was able to discern the signs of the times and was therefore perfectly aware that his "hour" would soon come (cf. John 2: 4; 7: 30; 13: 1; Matt 26: 45). Paradoxically, however, we find that Jesus at times "hid himself" to escape public notice and persecution (cf. John 7: 1; 8: 59). Jesus was no coward, but neither was he suicidal. He was hiding from the police, from the assassins, from his enemies, because his hour had still not arrived. The thought of death distressed him (John 12: 27), but he accepted the divine will; he left everything in the hands of his Father. He knew that he was going to die, but he did not hand himself over recklessly. He defended his life until "the hour" arrived and so stayed out of sight. This circumstance makes us aware of the painful inner tension that afflicted the heart of Jesus, a tension that became visible at the culminating moment of Gethsemane.

What this Textopian page supports

Freely Embracing Death is listed on Textopian as a short story by Jorge Mario Bergoglio, dated 2020 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: Jorge Mario Bergoglio
Date: 2020 CE
Language: English
Genres: Theology, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Spirituality, Biography
Length: 989 words
Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Freely Embracing Death by Jorge Mario Bergoglio
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Freely Embracing Death?
How does this short story by Jorge Mario Bergoglio fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Theology first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Theology — The work explores deep theological themes surrounding death, sacrifice, and divine will.
Philosophy — It examines concepts of freedom, surrender, and the nature of existence in relation to death.
Religious Studies — The text delves into religious interpretations of death and the significance of Jesus' sacrifice.
Spirituality — It encourages reflection on personal beliefs about death and the divine.