< <  

Tuesday, July 18, 2000

  > >
Isaiah 7:1-9
Psalm 48
Matthew 11:20-24

View Readings
Similar Reflections

what will happen on judgment day?

"I assure you, it will go easier for Tyre and Sidon than for you on the day of judgment." —Matthew 11:22

Although many people don't want to talk or think about it, it is a fact that "we shall all have to appear before the judgment seat of God" (Rm 14:10). After dying (Heb 9:27) and at the end of the world (Mt 25:31), each person will be "judged according to his conduct" (Rv 20:13). The Lord "will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and manifest the intentions of hearts" (1 Cor 4:5). Those who have lost their lives (Lk 9:24) by totally giving them to Jesus will be saved. Those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior, Lord, and God will be saved (Acts 16:30-31). Those baptized and living their Baptisms in love (Mk 16:16) will be saved, enter into eternal life, and see Jesus face to face (1 Jn 3:2).

Those who have decided to do their own thing, be their own gods, and run their own lives will be judged worthy of eternal punishment (Mt 25:46). They will be judged as having decided to be "apart from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His might" (2 Thes 1:9). They will be thrown out into the night to wail and grind their teeth (Mt 22:13). "Their lot is the fiery pool of burning sulphur, the second death!" (Rv 21:8)

Do not be so foolish as to forget about Judgment Day. But do not worry about it. Now give your life totally to Jesus, the Judge (Jn 5:22), Who is Love (1 Jn 4:16).

Prayer:  Father, thank You for telling me the truth in love (see Eph 4:15).

Promise:  "Unless your faith is firm you shall not be firm!" —Is 7:9

Praise:  Frequently having to confess the same sin eventually brought not only victory over that sin in Mary's life, but also a rich experience of the inexhaustible mercy of God.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, December 16, 1999


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 18, 1999