September 25, 2022

“Where are you going?” How many times have you been asked that question? Whether you were just going to another room, or on a road trip going across multiple states, it always seems important to us to know where we are going. New destinations, of course, magnify this question. It becomes particularly important to us when approaching a new, complex set of buildings or rooms, like a hospital, airport, college, or even a shopping mall. The more complex the destination, the more we want to know, where are we going?

What we may not think as much about is where we are going when we finish our earthly lives. Yet, the results of that question are infinitely more important. Our destination after this life is much more permanent, and the choices could not be more different. Our readings this week each call us to look towards this final destination. And our Church traditionally refers to this question as the final four things—Death, Judgement, Heaven, or Hell. But first, let us look at those readings.

Our first reading was from the Old Testament prophet Amos. Amos is a prophet of divine judgment. He condemns Israel for injustice and idolatry. In our reading today, we find Amos warning of punishment for sins.

Our Second reading Paul writes to Timothy and urges him to stay true to the course to eternal life. He tells him “To keep the commandment without stain or reproach.” Paul is urging Timothy to stay focused on eternal life. He urges him to compete for the faith.

Then we come to the Gospel. In it, Jesus Himself tells a parable warning his audience of Pharisees of the importance of living life on earth, with an eye toward eternal reward or punishment. In the parable, a rich man lives his life enjoying his wealth, and ignoring the plight of the poor man Lazarus. The two men die, and the rich man is in punishment while Lazarus was “carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham.” That phrase may not be familiar. Recall that prior to Christ’s death, the gates of heaven were closed. But there were good people who died during this time. Think of Moses, Abraham, and other Old Testament figures. Lazarus, in the story Jesus was telling was such a good person. Like all who led a good life during this time. Lazarus was taken to the bosom of Abraham- kind of a waiting place for the Gates of Heaven to be opened. The rich man, however, who lived a life of pleasure, was sent to eternal punishment. The rich man wanted to warn his friends to change their ways. But he is told no. The closing words to this discussion are a pointed warning to us today. “Abraham said, 'If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.'" Of course, we have someone who rose from the dead. Jesus Himself. And judging by the level of evil we see in the world today, it is clear that Jesus was correct. Those set in their ways of evil will do their deeds, even though Jesus has warned them otherwise.

So, all three readings warn us to live a life in compliance with the commandments—with the teachings of Christ. Our church teaches about this is a simple manner. They call it the final four things—Death, Judgement, Heaven, and Hell.

It is undeniable that we all will die, the first of the four steps. None of us know the day or the hour of our own demise. So, we should be spiritually prepared for it at all times. We should make use of the spiritual tools our church gives us. We have the Sacrament of Reconciliation—Confession. We should make use of that, particularly if we are in a state of mortal sin. We have the Sacrament of the Sick. We should make use of that anytime we are either seriously ill or undergoing some serious medical process like surgery. More importantly, however, we should live our lives in compliance with Church teaching, for we do not know the time or the hour. We should frequent the Eucharist, which will strengthen us in our lives of faith and provide food for the journey in our death. After death, we will be judged. Jesus will judge us based on our lives. Have we lived a life in compliance with the Commandments and the Beatitudes? Are we prepared to meet Jesus and have him judge our lives.

After judgement, there is a forever verdict—Heaven or Hell. Eternal life with God or being cut off from Him in Hell. Perhaps we will be sent to Purgatory. The good news there is that someday we will go to Heaven. But for the time we are in Purgatory we will be purged of the evil in us. It is a time of suffering and preparation.

Today, many people choose to forget about Hell. They hope that all people go to heaven. Yet that is clearly not what Jesus taught. We must be careful to remember the true teaching of the Church about our final eternal destiny. Will it be in Heaven with God in pleasure, or permanently cut off from God, in suffering, in Hell. Since we do not know our date or hour, it is best that we consider these things always. Where are we going? And that is something to think about this week. God Bless.