St. Augustine Catholic Church     314-385-1934

DEATH, JUDGMENT, HEAVEN, and HELL

Pastor’s Pen
St. Augustine Catholic Church
Sunday, November 14, 2021
Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Times

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

With the passing of the years, the Church, as our Mother, informs us about what is yet to come in our existential life.  We are to believe strongly that our God lives forever, but we, as humans, know that our own life is limited and that one day we will die.  For this reason, it always reminds us, her spiritual children, to reflect often, even daily, on the four last things: They are DEATH, JUDGMENT, HEAVEN, and HELL.  For there is nothing better conceived than to bring this powerful meditation into our minds to save our souls and avoid ending up in Hell.  This is what is call eschatology or revelation of the last things we do not want to forget during our earthly existence.  The Saints have recommended it most highly, especially, the Great Doctor of the church-St. Alphonsus Maria Liguori.

DEATH: We have seen or remembered people who have died, either from our families, friends, or relations.  They are the ones whom we pray for, especially during this month of November, and whose names we have written out and placed in the prayer basket last week.  So, it will be also for us at God’s own time.

JUDGMENT: At death, we have to face God’s judgment on the life we have lived here on earth, how well we have lived, or how wrongly we have lived.  His judgment is final, it is either Heaven or Hell.

HEAVEN: This is where God lives with the Angels and Saints and has prepared for those who loved, obeyed Him in life, and have hoped to be with Him in His Kingdom.

HELL: This is the place of torment for those who have lived unholy lives while on earth and did not repent before death and now have to pay for their wrongdoing.  For these reasons, we have to struggle daily to do good always and avoid evil so that when God knocks at our door, we will be prepared to enter the glorious kingdom where the Scriptures said, “Eyes have not seen, ears have not heard, nor has it entered the heart of man who God has prepared for those who love Him.

Love, Fr. Chris

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