[JorgiOLusinio]

Sorry, I might as well expose my own spiritual ignorance, but to this simple mind, the obvious answer is "all of the above" or perhaps I am missing the fact that there is perhaps no "right" answer? Many of these questions, to me, are simply two sides of the same coin. Which side is the "right" side?

Is it better to be poor or rich? I don't know, but it is better to be "saved" (which I define for convenience sake in this instance, as "entering the Kingdom"). According to Scriptural evidence, being rich can make this harder, but Christ tells us ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE for God. Being rich is better if the rich person is a WISE STEWARD, using the TALENTS he is given for the "profit" of God, because for the poor person who is not wise, even what he has will be taken away.

If I am ill, and do not feel I am "ready" to stand in God's presence, then I will fight with all my strength to stay alive to the point where my repentance will be acceptable before God, because the Apostles tell us that spiritual warfare is to the last breath. I pray to God that I not die "too soon", and I pray every Liturgy for a death that is blameless and peaceful. And I will not stand in judgement of the person who simply says "Thy Will be done" with a clear conscience, regardless of my opinion of his actions up to that last breath.

Or perhaps the answer is "it depends"? OK, so I flunked the test. Now what?