Four Last Things: Death, Judgment, Heaven, and Hell

by Fr. Jess Ty  |  11/17/2024  |  Weekly Reflection

Dear Family of God,

Jesus said: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” The autumn leaves are reminding us not only that winter is near but that life in this world is temporary, and death is certain. Our Liturgical Cycle B is ending, and we will start a new liturgical calendar in two weeks.

Our readings these coming weekends are reminding us about the Four Last Things: Death, Judgment, Heaven, and Hell. No one can escape at least three of these four last things; we all will face death and judgement. Prophet Daniel said: “Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake; some shall live forever, others to an everlasting horror and disgrace.”

God wants us all to be in heaven, but He respects our freedom. We are all given a choice to serve Him and His Kingdom or to serve ourselves or the enemy. If our aim is for power, wealth, and worldly pleasure alone then after our death we will face judgement. But if our aim is eternal life then we should cultivate our relationship with God and practice his commandments and we will not fear death nor the judgment.

We all long for heaven, as St. Augustine said, “God made us for himself, and our heart is restless until it rests in God. Also, our Psalm says: “You are my inheritance, O Lord! You will show me the path of life, (Jesus Christ), fullness of joy in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever.” Jesus is our path of life, he took away our sins by his one perfect sacrifice on the cross, “and took his seat forever at the right hand of God.” He is eternally interceding for us with the Father.

When we worked for flesh alone, we would perish. But when we work for what is spiritual, we serve the Lord; we will last forever. Heaven is our destiny, let’s desire to be there. Let us be saints.