The Final Exam | #1249

Pilgrim Priest

Ordinary Time, 31st Sunday (C) What is the "Day of the Lord" that St. Paul mentions? At his second coming, the angels will blow the trumpets and Jesus will return in power and glory to "judge the living and the dead." Christians look forward to this moment and prepare both our souls and our bodies for eternal life.

At the moment of our death we know the state of our soul. This is known is the particular judgement. Then we have this final moment known as the General Judgement. We will all be gathered before the Jesus' throne: you and me, Pope Francis, President Biden, former president Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, everyone. We will all be judged by Jesus. Why, then, are we so worried about what other people think and so little worried about what Jesus thinks?

Zacchaeus is the least-worthy person in the city of Jericho. He has become wealthy by exploiting others. His wealth does not satisfy him. His heart yearns for something more. By running ahead and climbing a tree he shows an openness in his heart. Jesus invites himself into his home to show that no one is beyond God's mercy. God loves each of us and is looking for this same openness from us. Zaccheaus will trade anything for has friendship with Jesus. What are you holding on to that is keeping you from welcoming Jesus?

Jesus comes to meet us in humble ways and invite us to repent so that we can do well an the final exam. Here are three thoughts on how to prepare:

1. Learn to respect the truth and live in the truth.
2. Treat the poor, needy, and vulnerable with kindness and compassion.
3. Do the best you can and then sit back, relax, and let Jesus take care of everybody else

(30 Oct 2022)

Going Deeper: The month of November is dedicated to praying for the dead. You can receive a plenary indulgence by praying for the dead, under the usual conditions. Go for a walk in the cemetery and pray for the dead.

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