Lesson: While few people ponder the reality of their own death, perhaps even fewer ponder the reality of their judgment. You will experience two forms of judgment after death: “Particular Judgment” immediately upon death and “Final Judgment” at the end of the world.
First, when you die, every sin on your soul will be made perfectly manifest to you. You will see your soul as God sees it. For some, this will be frightening and shocking. Many people live under the false security of “being a good person.” Many people conclude, “I am good, therefore all will be fine when I die.” It is especially those who may need this meditation.
If by “good” you mean that you strove to become a “saint,” then all will be well. But if by “good” you mean anything less, then your particular judgment will be a time of humiliation and purification. At the time of your judgment, every sin on your soul, no matter how small, will be made manifest to you. Why? So that it can be purged away. But this purging will not be any easier after death than it is here and now. It’s not as if you can simply live a “good” life now, then upon death God will overlook all your small faults. No, at death every fault, every disordered attachment and every sin will be made manifest to you, and you will have to allow the purifying fires of God’s love to cleanse you. This will be painful as you are purged. This is Purgatory.
Why should this matter to you now? Because God wants you to go through your purification here on Earth. Why wait? He wants to cleanse you of every sin and every stain of sin today. He does not want you to wait until after death. Have you heeded His command to become perfect as He is perfect? Most likely not, but it is not yet too late to begin that journey.
Reflection: Reflect for several minutes upon every sin you currently carry, every small sin and every imperfection. Recall your most recent examination for a moment. (Silent Reflection)
Reflect upon the virtue you lack and the weaknesses you have. (Silent Reflection)
Reflect especially upon those sins you have carried for a long time. (Silent Reflection)
God wants every sin, no matter how great or small, to be purged from your life so that on the day of judgment your soul will appear before God pure and holy. How resolved are you to allow this purification to happen now so that you will be better prepared for that glorious day of judgment? (Silent Reflection)
Introduction to Foundational Meditations
- God, the Creator of All That Is
- God, the Intimate Guide for Your Life
- God, the Goal, Purpose and End of Your Life
- Sin of the Angels
- Sin of Adam and Eve
- The General Effects of Sin
- Introduction to Meditations Seven–Nine
- Personal Sin: In the Light of the Divine Sun
- Personal Sins of My Life
- Humiliation and Humility
- Death
- Judgment
- Hell
Featured Image: Death of St. Joseph
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