A priest once, while visiting a dying Catholic man, noticed with some surprise that the man not only seemed very calm, but was even happy. The priest was glad for this peace, but he also knew very well that this man had lived a very ordinary Catholic life. No one knew this person to have done any extraordinary mortifications or great sacrifices. But perhaps there were hidden great deeds? Some heroic austerities like that of a Saint?

And so, since the man was clearly on the edge of death, and hoping to discover the secret, the priest gently asked him: “Are you afraid to die?”

“Oh no,” the dying Catholic answered calmly. And with a smile he explained the reason for the great graces of peace he was now receiving in his last moments. “I have always kept a guard on my heart, and tried to forget and forgive all the evil that was ever done to me.” As he spoke, his face seemed to glow in happy anticipation. “And I hope that the good God will forgive me as He has promised.”

The priest looked kindly at his companion. So there were no hidden austere penances; no harsh mortifications. Or were there? Maybe this man had not lived exterior mortifications, but what about interior ones? How easy is it to truly, for the love of God, forgive one’s neighbor? All the time; no matter how bitter the injury. But that is what this dying man had strove to do throughout his life.

The priest smiled. This man had lived to receive the promise written in Our Lord’s prayer - “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” And so, he died a happy death.