The Last DAY

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season:  Third Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Jn 6:44-51*

*First Reading : Acts 8:26-40*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 66:8-9, 16-17, 20*

*The Last DAY*

*1) The Last Day*

The phrase *“the last day”* appears several times in the New Testament, especially in the Gospel of John. One key verse where Jesus uses this phrase is:

*"I will raise him up on the last day."* — John 6:40, 44, 54

*2) Meaning of "The Last Day"*

In biblical terms, *"the last day"* refers to the end of the present age and the beginning of God's final judgment and eternal kingdom. It is the day when:

The dead will be resurrected (John 5:28–29),

Final judgment will occur (Revelation 20:11–15),

The righteous will receive eternal life, and

The wicked will be separated (Matthew 25:31–46).

*3) The Last Day : Promise of Resurrection* (John 6:39–40):

Jesus connects belief in Him with eternal life, guaranteed by His promise: 

*"I will raise him up on the last day."*

This assures believers that death is not the end. 

There is a bodily resurrection where those who trust in Christ will be raised to life.

*4) The Last Day : Martha’s Confession* (John 11:24):

When Lazarus dies, Martha says to Jesus: *"I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day."* 

This shows that even before Jesus' resurrection, there was a Jewish expectation of a future resurrection for the faithful.

*5) The Last Day as Judgment Day*

In John 12:48, Jesus says, *"There is a judge for the one who rejects me... the word I have spoken will condemn them at the last day."*

So the last day is not just about hope for believers—it is also the day when truth will be revealed and decisions judged.

*6) The Last Day : Connection with Eternal Life*

In John 6:54, Jesus says, *"Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day."*

This ties participation in the Eucharist or communion with the hope of resurrection.

*7) Final Thoughts on Last Day*

*Hope in Suffering*: The "last day" gives believers hope amid death and suffering, knowing that God will restore all things.

*Motivation for Faithfulness:* Knowing that we will be raised or judged at the last day should stir us to live holy, faithful lives now.

*Christ-Centered Assurance:* The repeated promise “I will raise him” shifts the focus from human effort to Jesus’ power and faithfulness. It is He who raises the dead, not us.

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*