The gradual passing of "The Greatest Generation," the graying of the Baby Boomers, and world events in which thousands perish within minutes serve to remind us of our mortality.

The Gospel encourages us to "be ready," and to strive to put our spiritual houses in order. But do we?

Many individuals create legal documents to dispense of their material possessions. But increasingly in the past five years --- since Sept. 11, 2001, coincidentally or not --- people who would like to pass down more than material goods have turned to a centuries' old tradition known as an ethical will as a way to impart one's moral and ethical values.

Scripture suggests that ethical wills were oral exhortations that were linked to one's final days. The most significant ones were recorded by religious scholars, beginning in Genesis, Chapter 49, when Jacob gathered his 12 sons around his deathbed and gave them his blessings ("Listen to your father Israel…").

In Deuteronomy, Chapter 33, Moses bade farewell to Israel's children and blessed its tribes after leading them through the desert for 40 years. For Catholics, the most relevant example can be found in John, Chapters 15-17, when Jesus bestowed his parting blessings and advice to his loyal followers:

"If you abide in me, and my words abide in you,

Ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples…

I have said these things to you so that your joy may be complete.

This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends.

You are my friends if you do what I command you…

I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another."

The use of ethical wills diminished toward the end of the first millennium in Western cultures, but in the past few decades this ancient custom has returned.

Timing
Although an ethical will is often written to accompany one's estate plan, it can be written at any stage of life. It might be as short as a one-page letter, or it can become a multi-page document, depending upon its intended use.

People write ethical wills when they are facing challenging life events or when they experience major transitions or turning points in their lives. These may include marriage, birth or adoption of a child, serious illness, death of a loved one, significant birthdays or anniversaries, a child's departure from home, or retirement.

An ethical will is usually the last item in an estate plan, and it is written after one's financial plan, living will or advance directive, living trust, last will and testament, and charitable bequests. An ethical will would be the first item in a legacy plan and can introduce additions such as explaining charitable bequests, preserving family and personal stories, and/or documenting one's possessions.

Contents
The contents of an ethical will vary but usually include statements of one's values, beliefs, life lessons, hopes and dreams, love, forgiveness, and future plans. Dr. Barry Baines' fine book, "Ethical Wills: Putting Your Values on Paper," includes the following (in this case, excerpts from an ethical will written by a mother to an unborn child):

"I am writing this letter in eager anticipation of your birth. I know that I have much to learn about being a parent. I'm sure the challenges will be greater than even now I can imagine. The rewards are probably bigger than I can fathom at this point.

"Please know that you are a cherished being whom your father and I have waited half a lifetime to meet. We're so excited about your birth and everything that will come afterward.

"I write this to you now, knowing that my perspective may change as you grow and develop as an individual and as I grow as a parent. Your father and I are becoming parents later in life, with many experiences, and I hope a little wisdom gained from them. I know we still have much to learn. But this is what I know so far and what I hope for you in the future.

"Remember that we love you always."

Why write one?
The answer is simple. An ethical will is a vehicle to put your life in order; it provides a way to honor the past, capture the present, inform the future; a way to be remembered; a way to say "I love you," or "thank you"; a way to lighten your burden, clarify what is central, assuage others' grief, simplify others' tasks, and gather essentials in one place.

By writing an ethical will, you will carry on an ancient tradition that has gained universal appeal and offers solace in these troubled times.

Getting started
There are books and Web sites that discuss ethical wills in detail, and some personal historians help individuals write ethical wills by offering classes or working with them one-on-one. To find a personal historian in your area, visit the Web site of the Association of Personal Historians Inc., www.personalhistorians.org.

Books which serve as excellent resources for those who wish to write their own ethical wills include "Ethical Wills: Putting Your Values on Paper" (Barry K. Baines, M.D., 2002) and "Final Gifts" (Maggie Callanan and Patricia Kelley, 1997). For additional resources or to locate an ethical wills class in your area, visit www.ethicalwill.com or www.thelegacycenter.net.

Libby Atwater, a parishioner at Sacred Heart Church in Ventura, owns Choose Your Words (www.chooseyourwords.net), a personal history service that helps individuals, families, businesses and organizations tell their stories. She also offers classes on writing ethical wills. She may be reached at (805) 642-1363.