Unusual New Year Post

"Lord, teach me, that I must have an end

and my life has purpose,

and I must accept this."

"For all flesh is as grass and the glory of man like flowers,

the grass withers and the flower falls."

"Blessed are the dead 

that die in the Lord.

"Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted,

They who sow in tears shall reap in joy."

"The righteous souls are in God's hand

and no torment shall stir them."

"Then shall be fulfilled The word that is written:

Death is swallowed up in victory.

O Death, where is thy sting?

O Hell, where is thy victory?"

"You now have sorrow, 

but I shall see you again

and your heart shall rejoice."

For Indonesia, this new year is far from festive. News on TV is still filled with updates on the AirAsia plane crash. There is inevitable sorrow among the nation. For us who are up to this moment, still breathing, we might have one unbearable question in our head, How if our time suddenly came to an end?

Nobody is sure when or where he or she is going to die. One thing that is sure is, we all will die someday, and there's no way for us to predict when that day will come.

And here comes another question that is more vital, when that day come, are we ready?

Are we ready to be responsible for all things that we had done on earth?

Does human's good deeds alone can save one from God's justice?

If not, how can we be ready to face our God? For we know, He is God of love and also, God of justice?

Think about this carefully, as you didn't always get the chance to ask yourself and ponder about this.

*The text right below the illustration is taken from Bible verses which Brahms later used as part of his requiem.*