“Today It's You, Tomorrow It's Me”

Human beings are born, they grow up and die. This is the natural order of things, a fact that no one can deny. As the Bible states in Psalm 49:10, "Anyone can see that even wise men die." Yet, many of us don't pay attention to this reality. Instead, we focus on life's plans, vain worries, unreasonable dreams, fruitless ambitions, and the pursuit of earthly happiness. It leads us to forget what Jesus has warned us, "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come." (Matthew 24:42)

That is why it’s important to pause for a while and reflect deeply on our lives. Many of us have experienced the loss of a loved one. During such times, we may have wondered if the same fate awaits us.

We can mention the example of a mother after a long pregnancy, gives birth to a child and that child right after birth passes away. Or even, a parent who perishes in a sudden accident, never to be seen again. A wife who loses her husband, she is left alone to care of her children. Let us also think of children who grieve the loss of a sibling. In such situation, words may not express the sorrow of their pain. Psalm 49:12 highlights: "A man’s greatness cannot keep him from death; he will still die like the animals."

However, we may feel young, heathy and full of hope for the future. But death is a universal equalizer. Even the young and healthy can succumb to sudden illness or accident. Life is cruel, competition is fiercely, and aging is relentless. In the end, we all must leave this world.

God is the source of Life, and it is He who gives us breath. He also has the right to take it back. "The LORD gave, and now he has taken away." (Job 1:21) Today, it might be you, tomorrow it might be me. Everyone will soon or later, leave this world, regardless of their wisdom or foolishness, wealth or poverty. As Psalm 49:11 says, "Their graves are their homes forever; there they stay for all time, though they once had lands of their own."

In the Catholic Church, November is a month dedicated to praying for the departed. We pray especially for our beloved parents, siblings, grandparents, relatives and for the souls of orphans. This month is an opportunity for us, despite our hectic schedules, to take time to reflect deeply on our own lives, to hold onto the hope of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and to pray for one another. Let us offer our condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in disasters, wars, and other sorrowful tragedies.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Sr.Hue