If you die before you die

There is a sign above the entrance of a Monastery on Mount Athos that reads:


"If you die before you die,
than when you die, you will not die"


Not only is it clever but it reminds us all that the Kingdom of God, which is within us, is meant to be experienced here in this world. Elder Porphyrios also taught this to his spiritual children saying,


"Struggle to become immortal from now, by dying here on the earth to your bad self. In this way, you won't be sad, but you'll be very glad, living together with Christ."