The Four Last Things (part II of IV)

11-03-2024Letter from the PastorFr. Don Kline, V.F.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Last week’s reflection on the Christian understanding of death invites us to turn our attention to judgment, which is next in the sequence of the Four Last Things. Judgment in general, is a word which is often misused and misunderstood. For example, you have heard someone say: “You can’t judge me.” “God knows my heart” “Only God can judge me!” These sorts of phrases are often used by those who wish a conversation to end because they don’t want to face the facts that their position may be weak or indefensible.

To be fair… Sacred Scripture does say, “Stop judging, that you may not be judged.” This quote is rooted in the teachings of Jesus and is found in the Gospel of Matthew (7:1-2). Our Lord’s teaching emphasizes the importance of humility and caution in making judgments about others. He urges us to remove the plank from our own eye before removing the splinter from the eye of another. In the context of Catholic teaching, this passage emphasizes our Christian call to avoid harsh or hasty judgments of others, as only God can fully understand the complexities of each person's heart and circumstances. The judgment that is being dealt with here is completely different than you or I judging someone’s actions.

Judgment, as given to us in the Four Last Things, is not talked about much anymore. But we know from Sacred Scripture that we will be judged by Our Lord. Jesus said, “Those who have done right shall rise to life; the evildoers shall rise to be damned” (Jn 5:29). Our Lord described this judgment as follows: “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, escorted by all the angels of heaven, He will sit upon His royal throne and all the nations will be assembled before Him. Then He will separate them into two groups, as a shepherd separated sheep from goats” (Mt 25:31-32).

Our Catechism of the Catholic Church in paragraph 1021 teaches us that following death, each soul undergoes a particular judgment. In this moment, a person’s soul is assessed based on its faith and works and ultimately on its relationship to Our Lord Jesus. Particular judgment determines the immediate fate of the soul, which may be heaven, purgatory, or hell. “Each man receives his eternal retribution in his immortal soul at the very moment of his death, in a particular judgment that refers his life to Christ: either entrance into the blessedness of heaven - through a purification or immediately, - or immediate and everlasting damnation. At the evening of life, we shall be judged on our love” (CCC, 1022).

Of course, we are called to have hope in the Resurrection. Our faith teaches us that all who die in Christ will be raised to new life with Him. We rightly proclaim the resurrection because Christ rose from the dead. He is risen! Alleluia! But part of our Catholic way of life is to accept the reality that every soul will be judged by Our Lord following our death. Of course, we would rather not think about being judged at all. This way of thinking coincides with our “feel good” culture which pushes the denial of any consequences for our actions. To think that life ends in death and eternal misery can be overwhelming.

So what are we to do? First, always seek God’s mercy. God is merciful. Mercy helps a person to not have a fixation on death and judgment. Confession is the sacrament of God’s mercy. Refusing to go to confession may lead a person to worry, despair, and forget about God’s mercy. That sort of thinking is not of God who is mercy itself. But to believe that only goodness awaits everyone after death is denial and dangerous. Being honest about the Lord’s judgment of our soul can lead to peace of mind and ultimate union with God forever in Heaven. Having an honest assessment of our sinful actions, can lead a person to contrition, repentance, conversion, and ultimate union with God forever in Heaven.

The New Testament speaks of particular judgment as the final encounter with Christ in His second coming, but also repeatedly affirms that each person will be rewarded immediately after death in accordance with his or her works and faith. The parable of the poor man Lazarus and the words of Christ on the cross to the good thief, as well as other New Testament texts speak of a final destiny of the soul - a destiny which will be unique for each soul.

At the moment of death, the soul is instantly judged. This is the particular judgment. If a person’s soul is found worthy of heaven, it goes to heaven; if a person’s soul is found unworthy of the presence of God, it goes to hell. Purgatory occurs when a soul is worthy of heaven, but in need of further purification. More will be said about Purgatory in my pastor’s notes on Heaven.

A common misunderstanding due to Hollywood movies and folklore is spooky. Halloween almost glamorizes death and the dead. The Church teaches us that no one becomes a ghost and lingers around. Likewise, no one becomes an angel, any more than your cat will become a human being when it dies. Angels are not human, and humans don’t become angels.

Lastly, the general judgment happens at the end of the world. General judgment, also known as the Last Judgment, is a significant event in Catholic eschatology where all individuals will stand before Christ to receive their final judgment. This judgment occurs at the end of time, when Christ returns in glory, and it will reveal the ultimate meaning of creation and God's providence throughout history. The Church emphasizes that this judgment is not merely punitive but is also an expression of God's justice and love, as it will ultimately reveal the truth of each person's life and the mercy of God. The faithful are encouraged to prepare for this moment with hope, understanding that God's judgment is rooted in love and mercy. To be continued…

God Bless,

Fr. Don Kline