by the book
"The book of the living was opened. The dead were judged according to their conduct as recorded on the scrolls." —Revelation 20:12
At the Last Judgment, the Lord is seated on "a large white throne" (Rv 20:11). You are standing before His throne as He opens "the book of the living" (Rv 20:12). You hope the Lord will find your name in this book, for "anyone whose name was not found inscribed in the book of the living was hurled into [the] pool of fire" (Rv 20:15).
As you wait, you remember what the Lord told Moses: "Him only who has sinned against Me will I strike out of My book" (Ex 32:33). You know all your actions are written down in this book (Ps 139:16), and you remember the many times you have sinned. You begin to fear for your eternal soul.
The record of your conduct is now being read from the book. You stand amazed as God recounts all the tears you have shed (Ps 56:9). An entry in the book states that you have trusted and feared Him (Mal 3:16). However, none of your sins have been read to the heavenly assembly. Jesus shows you the pages containing your deeds, and they are covered with huge blots of black ink. He says: "Each time you repented, I blotted out your sins" (see Ps 51:11). Then Jesus says: "Come, share your Master's joy!" (Mt 25:21)
If you repent (Rv 3:3) and live a life worthy of your calling (Eph 4:1; Rv 3:4), Jesus promises: "I will never erase [your] name from the book of the living, but will acknowledge [you] in the presence of My Father and His angels" (Rv 3:5).
Prayer: Jesus, my Savior, help me to repent of every sin, forgive all who have hurt me, and lead others to receive Your mercy.
Promise: "Know that the reign of God is near." —Lk 21:31
Praise: St. Catherine converted at 14. She renounced the possibility of marriage and abandoned her entire life to the divine will to be one with God.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 31, 2016
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