Scene from the final episode of "House" - 5/21/2012
The ending of the story of Dr. House
after 8 seasons of conflict tells what we all know about the statistics of
medical care...”everybody dies”. * But is this all we can say?
“Dr. House” ends with review and
reflection as he addresses the meaning of death and ends with what looks like a
“bucket list” of unfilled dreams. He certainly
makes the case that “life is hell” and that death looks better. The ambiguous argument is portrayed in a pyrotechnic
ending as only Dr. House could do!
In another look at life, Donald Miller
in his book, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years: What I Learned while
Editing my Life, sees life as a holy story. Both narratives testify to pain and
suffering, but there is a difference. Donald
Miller’s story also identifies suffering but ends with courage and hope that
ultimately comes from his faith.
“Do I still think
there will be a day when all wrongs are made right, when our souls find the completion
they are looking for? I do. But when all things are made right, it won’t be
because of some preacher or snake-oil salesman or politician or writer making
promises in his book. I think, instead, this will be done by Jesus. And it will
be at a wedding. And there will be a feast.”
These “life stories” address “the meaning”
of both life and death and I am thankful for both. It has helped us all to see our own stories
more clearly. I love the clarity of the
first question and answer in a 16th century statement that addresses the same difficult questions.
Heidelberg Catechism
Lord’s Day 1
Q & A 1
Q.
What is your only comfort
in life and in death?
A.
That I am not my own,
but belong—
body and soul,
in life and in death—
to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ.
Marvin
References:
Miller, Donald (2009-08-26). A Million Miles in a Thousand Years:
What I Learned While Editing My Life (p. 206). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.
