Closing a book of life

During both birth and death we are confronted with the mystery of life. We are seldom closer to this mystery than when someone close to us breathes his or her last breath. What changes then from one moment to the next? The body is still there, but life has gone, disappeared. Where to, we don't know and that question is not of real importance to us.

Nevertheless we must take leave of a loved one, during the burial or the cremation, and also as a religious community. This takes place during a Sunday service in the community to which he or she has belonged. We call this ritual "Closing a book of life". The life of the deceased is thus compared to a book, in which each day a page has been added. Family, friends and neighbours are then invited and in practice frequently attend this Sunday service.

At a suitable moment during the service the pastor reflects on the life of the deceased. What happened during his or her path through life? What did he or she mean for others, for society in general and for the community? The pastor speaks, as well, about feelings within the community: what comes to mind when we think of the deceased? How are we coping with our own grief? After which the pastor speaks the full name of the deceased, with the places and dates of birth and death and adds that,  "At this sacred moment, that person's book of life has been closed for all time". After which a short moment of silence follows, during which everyone can, within themselves, personally take leave of the deceased.

During the last service of the year, the names of all these deceased will be mentioned once more, in remembrance of  those we have had to part with in the past year.