If it's just happiness we may call it heaven, and if it's sad we may call it hell. God Himself already knows everything we need to live our lives that are only temporary in this world.
But, He desperately wants us to seek His help and always pray, that He may know that we still accept and consider Him to exist.
In the Bible, we can find many verses that can help us deal with situations and one of them is a Bible verse to strengthen a sad person.
Grieving the loss of our loved ones is very painful, like the death of a father, mother, brother, sister, friend, and our relatives. Here, we will give you a little information about the Bible verses for you who are grieving
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
Deuteronomy 31: 6
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Matthew 5: 4
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Psalm 147: 3
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Psalm 116: 15
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.
Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
2 Corinthians 5: 1
For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.
Psalm 62: 2-3
Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. How long will you assault me? Would all of you throw me down this leaning wall, this tottering fence?
1 Thessalonians 4:14
For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
John 11:25-26
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
John 14: 1-3
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God[a]; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
Romans 14: 7-9
For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. 8 If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 9 For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.
1 Peter 5: 7
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5: 10
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
Sumber : www.biblegateway.com
Catholicscope - While on vacation in Central Java, there is one interesting place to visit, It's the cave Maria Kerep Ambarawa. Located in Ambarawa sub-district, Semarang regency.
This is one place of pilgrimage for Catholics, but opened to the public and any religion. Maria Kerep Ambarawa Cave became one of the tourist icon in Ambarawa.
Maria cave was founded since 1954. Over time, this spiritual tour was renovated and became one of the icon of spiritual tourism.
Since 2017, Maria Kerep Ambarawa cave has been visited by tourists from the Philippines, China, and some areas outside Indonesian country.
This spiritual tourism icon is a statue of Our Lady as high as 42 meters (height as 23 meters sculpture + support of 19 meters at the base of the statue).
Statue of Our Lady in Ambarawa cave is imitating the cave of Maria Lourdes in France. Just below this Mary statue there is a sculpture painting who explain of the Jesus life.
Maria Kerep Ambarawa cave was inaugurated on 15 August 1954 by Mgr. A. Soegijapranata SJ, which coincided with the feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary was taken to heaven.
In this area of the Cave of Mary, besides from the cave with the statue of the Virgin Mary in it, there are also chapels and several streets of the Cross which are used for the pilgrimage of the Catholics.
In addition, there is also a small cave made as a symbolic icon of the tomb of Jesus. There are also some statues as a symbol to describe the story of Jesus' life journey with his disciples.
There are several spiritual activities such as praying, the way of the cross, reflection, eucharist and devotion, are also often held here.
As for other religious people, often use this place as a place of prayer or meditation, because right in front of the statue of the Virgin Mary, it's some people believed that the prayer will be answered.
In addition, this place also equipped with a chapel or a place of worship that can accommodate 400 people.
There are a camping ground area for spiritual activities that can accommodate 1000 people, and also provide 3 large rooms for visitors from out of town who want to stay.
In the cave area of Mary is lined up figures who sell spiritual trinkets that can be purchased by Catholics.
For those of you who come from outside of Indonesia, you can contact the contact below before visiting
Maria Kerep Ambarawa Cave
Jl. Tentara Pelajar, Kerep, Kelurahan Panjang
Ambarawa District, Semarang Regency, Central Java
Phone: 0298-592085, 08562881811 (Aris)
This is one place of pilgrimage for Catholics, but opened to the public and any religion. Maria Kerep Ambarawa Cave became one of the tourist icon in Ambarawa.
Maria cave was founded since 1954. Over time, this spiritual tour was renovated and became one of the icon of spiritual tourism.
Since 2017, Maria Kerep Ambarawa cave has been visited by tourists from the Philippines, China, and some areas outside Indonesian country.
This spiritual tourism icon is a statue of Our Lady as high as 42 meters (height as 23 meters sculpture + support of 19 meters at the base of the statue).
Statue of Our Lady in Ambarawa cave is imitating the cave of Maria Lourdes in France. Just below this Mary statue there is a sculpture painting who explain of the Jesus life.
Maria Kerep Ambarawa cave was inaugurated on 15 August 1954 by Mgr. A. Soegijapranata SJ, which coincided with the feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary was taken to heaven.
In this area of the Cave of Mary, besides from the cave with the statue of the Virgin Mary in it, there are also chapels and several streets of the Cross which are used for the pilgrimage of the Catholics.
There are several spiritual activities such as praying, the way of the cross, reflection, eucharist and devotion, are also often held here.
As for other religious people, often use this place as a place of prayer or meditation, because right in front of the statue of the Virgin Mary, it's some people believed that the prayer will be answered.
In addition, this place also equipped with a chapel or a place of worship that can accommodate 400 people.
There are a camping ground area for spiritual activities that can accommodate 1000 people, and also provide 3 large rooms for visitors from out of town who want to stay.
In the cave area of Mary is lined up figures who sell spiritual trinkets that can be purchased by Catholics.
For those of you who come from outside of Indonesia, you can contact the contact below before visiting
Maria Kerep Ambarawa Cave
Jl. Tentara Pelajar, Kerep, Kelurahan Panjang
Ambarawa District, Semarang Regency, Central Java
Phone: 0298-592085, 08562881811 (Aris)
"We need to keep ourselves in good words in the House of God," said Bishop Adrianus Sunarko OFM, Bishop of Pangkalpinang, that the blessing of St. Peter’s Church in Kampung Jeruk, Pangkalan Baru District, Central Bangka Regency, Bangka Belitung Islands.
The blessing that opened with the Mass of gratitude was attended by at least 500 people and 21 priests as a concelebrant.
There were also invited guests from the Provincial Government of Bangka Belitung, members of DPR, the police and members of the Inter-Religious Communication Forum of Bangka Belitung Province.
Bishop Sunarko reminded that the building of this church is only a symbol and a place of prayer for Catholics. But more importantly, Catholics should be able to apply their faith in living together in society.
When faith can be expressed in everyday life then that is where God is present and the church building has meaning.
In the midst of a world of interstellar competition, we hope that more people will be involved in initiating peace. Thus, living together means more and the name of God is increasingly glorified.
"I hope Catholics make Bangka Belitung a miniature of inter-religious harmony that exists in Indonesia," said Didit Didit Srigusjaya member of DPR of the Republic of Bangka Belitung.
This St. Peter's Church is about 12 kilometers from the Provincial Capital. About 47 years ago, the inaugural church of St. Peter's Kampung Jeruk was standing with a building size of 11 X 13 meters.
Over time, the number of people continues to grow so that the church can not accommodate the people anymore. So renovated by adding the church area to 25 X 45 meters, including the terrace.
The church began its first construction on 27 May 2011 and is now completed. Behind the joys and sorrows of this church building that took about eight years, the people of St. Peter’s Church felt the intervention of the late of Bishop Hilarius Moa Nurak SVD in the early establishment of this church.
The founder of this church was inspired by a temple in India. The person who built this church was Pastor James Bharataputra SJ.
In addition to the outer buildings which look like temples, on the inside of the building there are also reliefs and statues that are similar to the statues in the Indian temple.
Graha Maria Annai Velangkanni is dedicated to Our Lady, known in India as Annai Velangkanni Arokia Matha, Our Lady of Good Health.
Graha means a house or holy place or temple in Sanskrit. Built in 2005, this Catholic spiritual place or Catholic spiritual tourism is located on the outskirts of Medan City.
Graha Maria Annai Velangkanni is located in Tanjung Selamat, Medan-Tuntungan, North Sumatra. Namely on Jl. Sakura III No. 7-10, Perumahan Taman Sakura Indah. Many local pilgrims make this place a spiritual destination because it has unique and charming ornaments.
There are also pilgrims from outside Medan and from abroad such as Malaysia, Singapore and India who visit Graha Maria Annai Velangkanni. They are not only Catholics, but also non-Catholics.
Graha Maria Annai Velangkanni Church is open to anyone. Even for tourists who just want to see the architecture of buildings and interior of the church. Travelers can take photos in any part.
This building consists of two levels, the first level is a hall and a place to worship. On the second level, there is the Annai Velangkanni statue and his son imported directly from India.
The parking area of this complex is spacious and clean. Quiet atmosphere in this complex makes it convenient to pray.
There is also the Cave of Maria Annai Velangkanni or Annai Velangkanni Chapel which pilgrims use to pray. This Maria Cave has a source of water that continues to flow without knowing the season. This water is believed by the public to provide healing.
Pilgrims can wash their face, drink and take the water. The Church provides water channels in the form of faucets outside the Cave of Maria. Even drinking bottles are also provided for people who want to bring the water.
Given the 2018 World Cup Final which took place yesterday, to coincide with Sunday, Father Vladimir Simunovic must divide his time between leading Sunday's Eucharistic celebrations and watching the World Cup Final.
As a Croatian, Father Simunovic wants to see his country lift the World Cup for the first time. He did not want to miss the dream.
So, what he did was willing to shorten the sermon in the celebration of the Eucharist in order to watch the final game.
"I can tell you that the sermon will be very short," Simunovic said with a laugh, before the Eucharistic celebration took place.
Father Simunovic said that he was one of the most happy people when watching Croatia beat England in the semi-finals to appear in the 2018 World Cup Final.
"It's an achievement everyone wants to see, but it's hard to believe because the competition is really very difficult," he said.
Simunovic said soccer is the most popular sport in Croatia. According to the priest who is now in charge of the Parish of St. Regina, the St. Basil Catholic Church of the Ukrainian rite in Canada this Croatians are very fond of playing soccer times.
Therefore, as a Croat he hopes that Croatia can beat France to lift the World Cup trophy for the first time.
"Croatia is a small European country with four million inhabitants, and we say we have four million coaches as well," Father Simunovic said.
Father Simunovic acknowledged that France is a stronger and more favored team. "But anything can happen. Let's cheer for Croatia, "he said.
But in the final match last night, Croatia finally had to recognize the superiority of France. They also had to give up the trophy that had been coveted belonged to France after defeated by France with a score of 4-2.
What sort of reaction did Pastor Simunovic think? Will he return to extend his sermon at next week's Mass, as Croatia lose and the World Cup title is over?
Catholicscope - The Mayor of Bekasi H. Rahmat Effendi visited the Bekasi Strada Catholic School. He visited the school as the newly elected the Mayor of Bekasi in June.
For this visit, the Strada Catholic school was recorded as the first school visited by Rahmat Effendi after being elected the Mayor of Bekasi for the second time.
Welcoming of Rahmat Efendi, Strada's school students sing the song Strada Mars. They also presented the Manuk Dadali dance as a special dance to welcome of Rahmat Effendi.
When meeting with children, Rahmat Effendi had time to communicate with them. He asked a small child whether non-Catholic students could attend the Strada Catholic School.
The child also answered, all students from any religion could go to school there. The Strada School accepts and educates students from various religions. In this school, all students from various religions can live and learn together.
From this brief presentation, Rahmat Effendi assessed that children who attend the Strada Catholic School have a very good view of diversity.
They have a very good understanding of how to respect other religious people. This will be the superiority of the students' character in the future.
"Young children think they are far ahead. Sometimes we who are adults are afraid to bring a sense of justice to this nation's children," said Rahmat Effendi.
The Mayor of Bekasi statement targeted the intolerance attitude that has recently strengthened in Indonesia. And, precisely this attitude was initiated by older people or adults.
When adults cannot live side by side with other people of different religions, there will be problems.
Therefore, the attitude of a small child who wants to be friends with anyone regardless of religion and ethnicity of others should be an example for us.
Rahmat Effendi is known as a person who appreciates differences. The choice to come to Strada Catholic School is one of the real examples. On various occasions he also came to big events held in the church.
This figure is a very valuable asset for Indonesia. This country needs people who want to be chiseled, not people who want to win by themselves, whether based on class, religion or ethnicity.
For this visit, the Strada Catholic school was recorded as the first school visited by Rahmat Effendi after being elected the Mayor of Bekasi for the second time.
Welcoming of Rahmat Efendi, Strada's school students sing the song Strada Mars. They also presented the Manuk Dadali dance as a special dance to welcome of Rahmat Effendi.
When meeting with children, Rahmat Effendi had time to communicate with them. He asked a small child whether non-Catholic students could attend the Strada Catholic School.
The child also answered, all students from any religion could go to school there. The Strada School accepts and educates students from various religions. In this school, all students from various religions can live and learn together.
From this brief presentation, Rahmat Effendi assessed that children who attend the Strada Catholic School have a very good view of diversity.
They have a very good understanding of how to respect other religious people. This will be the superiority of the students' character in the future.
"Young children think they are far ahead. Sometimes we who are adults are afraid to bring a sense of justice to this nation's children," said Rahmat Effendi.
The Mayor of Bekasi statement targeted the intolerance attitude that has recently strengthened in Indonesia. And, precisely this attitude was initiated by older people or adults.
When adults cannot live side by side with other people of different religions, there will be problems.
Therefore, the attitude of a small child who wants to be friends with anyone regardless of religion and ethnicity of others should be an example for us.
Rahmat Effendi is known as a person who appreciates differences. The choice to come to Strada Catholic School is one of the real examples. On various occasions he also came to big events held in the church.
This figure is a very valuable asset for Indonesia. This country needs people who want to be chiseled, not people who want to win by themselves, whether based on class, religion or ethnicity.
Gua Maria Puh Sarang is known as one of the replicas of Gua Maria Lourdes in France or Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes France. Have you ever made a pilgrimage to this place?
The construction of Gua Maria Puh Sarang or Gua Maria Pohsarang started in 1998. The statue of Mary in this cave is a replica of Mary statue in Gua Maria Lourdes, France.
However, the height of the statue in the Gua Maria Puh Sarang is 3.5 meters. While the statue Mary in the Gua Maria Lourdes France only 1.75 meters.
Gua Maria Puh Sarang Kediri has a very wide route of Jalan Salib with a large and unique cross road ornament. Pilgrims can do Jalan Salib with a very calm and cool atmosphere.
In addition to visiting the Maria cave, pilgrims can also visit the old church of St Mary's Church that built in 1934. This church was built with a blend of Hindu-Javanese style.
In this church complex, there is also a burial area for Catholics and priests of the Diocese of Surabaya, Taman Hidangan Kana, and the Multipurpose Building of Emmaus.
Besides the Emaus Multipurpose Building, there is a small Maria cave built in 1986 by Father Emilio Rossi CM. In this cave, there is a statue of Bernadet on his knees before the Virgin Mary. This describes the event of the appearance of Our Lady to Bernadet in Lourdes, France.
Pilgrims who visit this little Mary’s cave are not just Catholics. There are also other religious people who visit this place. Some simply want to know this place, some also meditate and pray to a loving God.
It seems that Gua Maria Pohsarang becomes one of the spiritual sights that bring together Catholics with other religious people.
Not only the non-Catholic pilgrims who come, but also the sellers as well as artisans of spiritual objects around the cave complex are other religious people, Muslims.
Pilgrims who come in this pilgrimage place can buy spiritual objects like the Rosary and the statue in the shop, in the entrance to the Gua Maria Pohsarang.
The sellers and craftsmen of Rosary and sculptures are our brothers, Muslim. How inter-religious harmony continues to be nurtured in there.
Catholicscope - Five choir groups held a joint concert as a form of celebrating Indonesia's diversity. The five group are Disabilitas Laeticia, Koor Pasutri, Ekayana Buddhist Resident Choir, GTC Choral Course, and St Theresia dari Kanak-kanak Yesus choir.
Ekayana Buddhist Resident Choir is representative of Buddhism. While GTC Choral Course is representative of Muslim. You know that Islam is majority religion in Indonesia.
Santa Caecilia Katedral Jakarta Choir open the Cantate Domino XXI concert by singing the song Ave Maria from R. A. J Soedjasmin. The concert was held at hall of Cathedral Parish of Jakarta.
Involving various choir group from several religion in Indonesia, theme of this concert is “Celebrate Diversity”.
As a nation, Indonesia has many religion and custom from Sabang until Merauke. So anytime the diversity must be cultivated. This concert is a part of celebrate the diversity in Indonesia today.
Chief of Cathedral Parish of Jakarta, Father A. Hani Rudi Hartoko SJ said, “this concert display the diversity in Indonesia. The participants come from different religious backgrounds.”
Their presence and participate to illuminate that the diversity in Indonesia not as a problem. It is wealth of Indonesia. If we take good care of it than it will become nation strength.
“The diversity in Indonesia not a problem. On this time we celebrate in music. Maybe tomorrow or the other time we can celebrate it as the other form,” he said.
Chairman of the committee of Cantate Domino XXI, Albertus Ade Pratama, explain that this concert is a representation of Archdiocese of Jakarta working program.
Archdiocese of Jakarta has many program to apply Indonesia’s motto “Unity in Diversity”. Application this motto in various form, especially in the activities of Catholics.
This concert, he said, is annually program initiated by Santa Caecilia choir.
Bianka Andrea Aleksandra from GTC Choral Course said that she very happy to participate in this concert. From this activities, she hope to collaborate with many friends from Catholics.
“I really feel the diversity in this place. I believe that Indonesia can apply it in music”.
Ekayana Buddhist Resident Choir is representative of Buddhism. While GTC Choral Course is representative of Muslim. You know that Islam is majority religion in Indonesia.
Santa Caecilia Katedral Jakarta Choir open the Cantate Domino XXI concert by singing the song Ave Maria from R. A. J Soedjasmin. The concert was held at hall of Cathedral Parish of Jakarta.
Involving various choir group from several religion in Indonesia, theme of this concert is “Celebrate Diversity”.
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| Cantate Domino XXI Concert |
Chief of Cathedral Parish of Jakarta, Father A. Hani Rudi Hartoko SJ said, “this concert display the diversity in Indonesia. The participants come from different religious backgrounds.”
Their presence and participate to illuminate that the diversity in Indonesia not as a problem. It is wealth of Indonesia. If we take good care of it than it will become nation strength.
“The diversity in Indonesia not a problem. On this time we celebrate in music. Maybe tomorrow or the other time we can celebrate it as the other form,” he said.
Chairman of the committee of Cantate Domino XXI, Albertus Ade Pratama, explain that this concert is a representation of Archdiocese of Jakarta working program.
Archdiocese of Jakarta has many program to apply Indonesia’s motto “Unity in Diversity”. Application this motto in various form, especially in the activities of Catholics.
This concert, he said, is annually program initiated by Santa Caecilia choir.
Bianka Andrea Aleksandra from GTC Choral Course said that she very happy to participate in this concert. From this activities, she hope to collaborate with many friends from Catholics.
“I really feel the diversity in this place. I believe that Indonesia can apply it in music”.
