Br. Christopher reflects on last things: “November is the month the Church traditionally dedicates to the remembrance and reflection on the Four Last Things pertaining to our eternal destiny: Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell. So here goes!
DEATH- Death comes. For many it comes suddenly, without a moment to prepare: a stroke, heart attack, car crash or other accident.
JUDGEMENT- We will be judged according to the state God finds us at the moment of death, having left the world of time and space where change is possible and entered into eternity. We will not have the ability to repent after death. What do we want God to find when we stand before Him to give an account? Is there anything we need to take care of now, anything we do not want God to find on our souls?
HEAVEN- Keep Heaven in mind! We think of God and community, a loving family delighting in each other’s presence and company, delighting in loving each other forever.
HELL- The opposite of the above. Imagine eternal bitterness and resentment, being cut off from God and good relationships. Worse, knowing that it is our own doing because of choices made on earth that cannot be changed now. God does not want this for us!
God is good. He gives us time, guidance and support. Let us use it to try to so live as to bring Heaven into our lives and world everyday, and strive for a happy eternity for all.
Love and blessing to you,
Your brothers of New Clairvaux
#4LastThings #Death #Judgement #Heaven #Hell #God #Church #Trappist #monks
