Some very prominent voices of late – in politics, media, Hollywood, even in the Church – have been quarantined through death, removal, or silence. Often it seems a life lived truthfully and honorably has no worldly worth, and can be seen by many as foolish and bygone.
But something we don’t hear much about – and which will prevail – is God’s judgement beyond the door of now, when we receive final “orders” for heaven or hell. A very holy parish priest described it in astounding homilies, and was recently shown the parish door. A few irate letters from parishioners got him yanked. But God will bestow a great honor on him one day. Through his thick, foreign accent — also a complaint in people’s letters — he inspired many to return to grace in Christ, not an easy feat. Father often said, “I don’t care if you walk out during this homily. I will not go to hell for anyone.” His confession lines got longer and longer.
So, our after-death experience will unfold like this.
Our first judgement occurs at moment of death, when we appear before Christ – and He declares our soul’s fate immediately. Those who die without mortal or venial sin go straight to heaven. Those still in venial sin go to Purgatory. For those who die in mortal sin, Hell is a reality. Just one unconfessed, unrepentant mortal sin can do this. Seeing the hellish, 133-vehicle pileup on an icy Fort Worth highway in early February begged the burning question – how many were unprepared to meet Christ that instant?
The second, general judgement happens at world’s end. All the dead come forth, with bodies and souls rejoined, no matter the circumstances of death. ‘He will make known to all the secret and shameful sins which certain souls concealed even in Confession … but the confessed sins of the blessed will not be made known, but be kept hidden’ (St. Alphonsus). Each will then be rewarded according to his works – good or evil – and assigned his eternal place.
Why a general judgement – where everything is made known? To show each man’s works – good and bad – are not isolated, inconsequential, or secret. Each act has a domino effect through time – either in memory or effects caused. How many were awed by saints and emulated them? Or ruined through bad example and abuse? God examines our acts and their effect on others through the ages. Second, He reveals His transparent justice – it won’t be a mystery why some go to heaven and others don’t. Third, justice will finally be rendered – to the poor, persecuted innocents, unjustly accused, defrauded, wrongly abused. And the wicked will be put to commensurate shame. Fourth, saving graces bestowed in life on each soul – whether squandered or embraced – will also be made known. Fifth, the righteous who suffered evil while the wicked prevailed will be vindicated. Sixth, the wicked will learn God’s goodness —for their everlasting lament. Finally, Christ will reward each of His faithful, and be exalted as King before all.
Life is surely worth living – but only for God.
CHRISTINE VALENTINE-OWSIKis Legatus magazine’s editor.