Book Review: Now and at the Hour of Our Death

Catholic bioethicist Samantha Stephenson reviews a fantastic book for navigating end-of-life care and decision-making.

Now and at the Hour of Our Death: Making Moral Decisions at the End of Life

by Nikolas T. Nikas and Bruce W. Green

In the Catholic tradition, the contemplation of one’s mortality — memento mori — serves as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of earthly life and the eternal significance of the soul’s journey. Now and at the Hour of Our Death: Making Moral Decisions at the End of Life by Nikolas T. Nikas and Bruce W. Green, with its clear, concise question-and-answer format, is a timely and practical guide that resonates deeply with this tradition, offering moral clarity and comfort to those facing the end-of-life decisions that touch us all.

Now and at the Hour of our Death

Catholic teaching on death and dying

The book is rooted in the ars moriandi, the art of dying well, a concept that has been part of Catholic teaching for centuries. It provides a well-organized, accessible resource for patients, families, Catholic healthcare providers, and hospice workers navigating the complex moral questions that arise when dealing with life-threatening injuries, end-stage illnesses, or advanced old age.

For Catholic moms in the trenches of family life, this book is an invaluable tool. It addresses the pressing questions that can be overwhelming during times of crisis, such as the moral obligations surrounding medical procedures, the provision of food and water to patients, and the roles of conscience, quality of life, pain, and financial burden in end-of-life decision-making.

The Q&A format of the book is particularly effective, allowing readers to quickly find answers to specific questions. This format also makes the book an excellent resource for discussion groups among Catholic women, who often serve as the primary caregivers in their families and communities. The book’s approachable style ensures that even those without medical knowledge or familiarity with medical terminology can understand and apply its teachings.

Nikas does not shy away from the difficult topics. Instead, he addresses them with the compassion and moral rigor that the subject demands. The book is grounded in Catholic teaching based on Scripture and Sacred Tradition, using practical reasoning to reach proper moral conclusions based on correct moral principles.

For Catholic moms, this book is more than just a guide; it’s a source of solace and strength. It reassures us that making good moral decisions can lead to happiness now and at the hour of our death. It’s a reminder that, as Catholics, we are called to uphold the dignity of every human life, even in its final moments.

Read this book before you need this book

The book’s relevance extends beyond those currently facing end-of-life issues. For any Catholic, the best time to digest this information is before it becomes highly emotional and personally relevant — before the death of a loved one or one’s own passing. By preparing ourselves with the knowledge and moral guidance this book provides, we can face these inevitable moments with grace and peace.

In a world where the media and activists often seek to redefine assisted suicide as ‘death with dignity,’ Nikas and co-author Bruce W. Green provide a counter-narrative that upholds the sanctity of life and the true dignity of dying in accordance with God’s will. Their work is an empowering resource for readers confronting the dilemmas that arise during the final stages of life.

The endorsements from respected figures in the Catholic community, such as Deacon Stephen Doran, M.D., and Wesley J. Smith, author of Culture of Death: The Age of ‘Do Harm’ Medicine, attest to the book’s significance. They highlight its role as a practical, compassionate primer that helps readers make informed and moral decisions at one of the most challenging times faced by families or caregivers.

Now and at the Hour of Our Death is a must-have on Catholic bookshelves. It is a book that should be kept handy, not just on bookshelves but also in hearts and minds. It equips us to face the end-of-life with courage, wisdom, and the comforting knowledge that we are not alone in our journey. This book is a beacon of light in the often-murky waters of moral decision-making at the end of life, guiding us to a good death — a death that leads to eternal life.

Ask for Now and at the Hour of Our Death at your local Catholic bookseller, or order online from Amazon.com or the publisher, Ignatius Press.

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