Severe form of Judgment for Christians

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Ninth Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Lk 12:39-48*

*First Reading : Eph 3:2-12*

*Responsorial Psalm : Isaiah 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6*

*Severe form of Judgment for Christians*

*1) The Last Four things*

The *Four Last Things* in the Catholic Church are death, judgment, heaven, and hell

*Death*: The moment of passing away from this world

*Judgment* : The moment which decides our fate 

*Heaven*: An eternal state of being, where a person enjoys eternal bliss 

*Hell:* An state of being where a person suffers for eternity

 

The Catholic Church encourages its members to reflect on the *"Four Last Things"* often, even daily. 

St. Philip Neri said that beginners in religion should focus on meditating on the *"Four Last Things"*. 

 

*2) Judgment is a reality*

From the above teaching and from today's Gospel it is very clear that, judgment is a reality 

No one can escape the reality of judgment 

Without judgment we can't proceed further 

Judgment shows the way either to heaven or to hell 

*3) Judgment according to ones deeds*

Each one will have judgment according to his/her deeds

There is no common judgement. Each one uses his/her freedom to live ones life. Accordingly one will be judged for her/his deeds 

*4) Severe Judgement for special category of people*

This aspect is also very much highlighted in today's Gospel

Jesus says *still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.*

So there is a category of people whom God has given much more. That's why much more will be demanded from those who have been given more 

*5) More is given to Christians*

Christians are special people. They are called the people of God. 

To the Christians much more things are given. So much more things are demanded from the Christians 

We have been given the chance of Baptism and to become the children of God

We have been given the gift of faith 

We have been given the opportunity to read the scriptures in our own mother tongue

We have been given opportunity to celebrate daily mass 

We have been given better knowledge and understanding of the Gospel and Gospel values 

We have been blessed in every way comparing to others 

That's why much more is given to us and much more will be demanded from us 

Therefore the Judgment will be severe towards Christian rather than others 

*6) What is my View?*

How about my life? 

How do I see the reality if life,? 

How do I repay to the Lord, who has given me everything? 

Do I feel as a Christian that I have been given everything in and through Jesus Christ. Still I complain

Will I be able to hear Good and faithful servant from God or will He term me as unfaithful servant who will be thrown into the well? 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*