He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
Well, I certainly have never stood before a judge. However, in my humanity, I certainly feel as though I am being judged. Judged by what I say, what I do, how I act, how I look, and so much more. I put myself through incredible stress to fit into what I conceive as acceptable in the world I live in. And I do pay attention to what I say, what I do, how I act, how I look and so much more.
My challenge is though to make all that Christ-centered. What would Jesus do?
I often look back at raising my two sons, and the many lessons I learned through that adventure. I clearly recall that one day after school, one of the boys returned home a little later than usual. To his surprise I asked him how his walk was with his new girlfriend. Shocked he asked how I could I possibly know about it! I simply answered – I know everything – I see everything. In reality, a friend of mine had been on the same path they were on and she reported to me about the two of them walking hand in hand! It reminds me: guess who else knows everything and sees everything?
When I look at the tapestry that I am weaving as I live my every day life is every moment tempered with love? Are all my actions reflecting Jesus into the world? I’m most certainly not perfect, and the gift of the Sacrament of Reconciliation is calling me to me, to each of us. Why would I not seek that intimate renewal of my relationship with Jesus and my God. He desires it so very much. It is there that all the little broken pieces that my sins have shattered are put back together or tossed away and I begin again.
This life that I’m living will come to an end. Fear and anxiety, but also expectation and hope, are mingled with the message of a general judgment for everyone at the end of time, including me.
When He does come to judge the living and the dead, the glorious Christ will reveal our true hearts. Will he say to me – “well done good and faithful servant..” (Matthew 25:21) or will he say “I never knew you. Depart from me…(Matthew 7:23)
“Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, this you to unto me”. Now, there’s a motto to live by!