Face to Face

This life is nothing but a test,
and when one day we come to rest
we need to answer to our Lord
if we have followed His word.

Then neither money nor our stand
nor anyone will give a hand
to rescue us from blazing eyes
for our treacheries and lies,
for our cowardice and lust -
all that we own is just dust.

One sudden day we have to leave
all that we strive for and achieve,
but then alone – face to face –
we are dependent on His grace.

Stripped from our power or gold
in front of God whom we have sold
for thirty coins or little more,
whom we have mocked, whom we ignored,
when, like an ostrich hides his head,
we into worldly cares fled.

We can’t escape the sure end
to be eternally condemned:
the darkness of the hell’s abyss
cuts off from heaven and its bliss,
unless we try our ways to mend,
unless in ashes we repent
and see in Jesus and His cross
a sacrifice for our loss.

10.06.09