Published in the bulletin of Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Knoxville, TN, on the 6th Sunday during Easter.
My dear Parishioners,
Peace! The seventh article of the Apostle’s Creed is “From thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.” There are three (3) In Brief passages in the Catechism of the Catholic Church regarding this article of the Creed. The following is a reflection on article 681.
There are two (2) judgments, the particular judgment (when each one of us dies) and the general or final judgment (at the end of time). We know not the day nor the hour of either of these (cf. Matthew 24:36; Acts 17:31; Romans 2:16). That there will be a reckoning is sure (cf. Matthew 12:36). Just because there are “two judgments” is not to introduce an “appeals” process. The general or final judgment only makes “public” what happened at the particular judgment. Thanks will be given to God for His mercy for all who go to Heaven. Praise will be given to God for His justice for all who go to Hell. The Lord Jesus will bring to light the hidden things and lay bare the innermost thoughts of our hearts on that day. We await our praise form God (cf. 1 Corinthians 4:5). It is the Lord who is our judge and His judgments are true (cf. Hebrews 10:30)
The second coming of Christ, on a day, at an hour we do not know, will be a glorious coming (cf. Matthew 16:27). This will contrast with His first coming which took place in Bethlehem as a babe (cf. Matthew 2:1). Some shepherds, some soldiers, some wise men and others were witnesses of Jesus’ earthly life. When He returns in glory to judge the living and the dead there will be no where to hide. If, however, we are living in His grace, according to His holy will expressed in His commandment of love we have nothing to fear and await this great day eagerly (cf. 2 Timothy 4:8).
Until the return of Christ in glory to judge all, the living and the dead, in the twinkling of an eye evil and good like grain and tare increase day by day (cf. Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43; 1 Corinthians 15:52; Hebrews 12:23; 1 Peter 4:5).
It is the return of Christ in glory as judge of the living and the dead which will usher in the definitive triumph of good over evil, a triumph which began on Easter (cf. Acts 10:42; 2 Timothy 4:1) . God will judge not only fornicators and adulterers but all of us (cf. Hebrews 13:4). It is the Lord God who is both lawgiver and judge who is able to destroy or deliver, the choice is ours (cf. James 4:12). So, let us live so as to be ready to meet the good Lord when He shall come again that we may happily behold Him when he stands before the door that He may give us entry saying good and faithful servant, share your Master’s joy (cf. Matthew 25:21; James 5:9)
God bless you!
Father John Arthur Orr