“At the particular judgment the soul will be judged about every single thing – its thoughts, words, deeds, and omissions.”
Cardinal Gasparri
For Reflection:
How would my thoughts, words, deeds, and omissions stack up today? Would they show a love of God and neighbor? Why or why not? In light of all this, what interior dispositions need to be converted?
“It is appointed for men to die once and then the judgment.”
Hebrews 9:27
For Reflection:
Our culture is awash with many false ideas about death. One is the concept of reincarnation. How does this scripture passage refute this idea? This verse also talks about “the judgment.” What do I think this means? On what will I be judged? How would that go if it were to happen today?
(See tomorrow’s Grace Line for some indication.)
“If so many people believe in heaven and hell while also believing that this life will determine which destination will be theirs, why don’t we see more evidence of that belief?
Regis J. Flaherty
For Reflection:
What do I believe about heaven and hell? Does my life show evidence of that belief?Â
“The best way to prepare for death is to spend every day of life as though it were the last. Think of the end of worldly honor, wealth and pleasure and ask yourself: And then? And then?
St. Philip Neri
For Reflection:
To what does my “and then” lead? How can I make my “and then” count today?
“Do now, do now, what you will wish to have done when your moment comes to die.”
St. Angela Merici
For Reflection:
Mentally make a list of those things you will have wished to have done when your moment comes to die. Are there people you will have wished to forgive or from whom you wished to have asked for forgiveness? Are there little niceties and kindnesses you will have wished to have offered? Are there faults and failings, bad habits and weaknesses you would have liked to overcome? Of these, what can I “do now” so I will have no lingering regrets? How will this help my life to be happier for as long as it is mine?
“Happy is the man who keeps the hour of death always in mind, and daily prepares for it.”
Thomas À Kempis
For Reflection:
At first glance, this quote seems to be a contradiction. How can one be happy if he is always keeping his death in mind? How can the reality of death lead us to true happiness of life? What part does preparation for death play in our happiness?
(See tomorrow’s Grace Line for one saint’s admonition that also implies a happy life.)
“The foolish fear death as the greatest of evils, and the wise desire it as a rest after labors and the end of all ills.”
St. Ambrose
For Reflection:
According to this quote, am I foolish or am I wise? If I am foolish, what about death makes me fear? If I am wise, what am I doing to match my desire with preparation?
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“The ‘suffering’ of purgatory is very real, and it is twofold: a profound remorse for sin and a profound longing for the fullness of God’s presence.”
Father John Hampsch, C.M.F.
For Reflection:
To what extent have I pondered the reality of purgatory and the souls who are there? Do I presently have a profound remorse for my sin and a profound longing for the fullness of God’s presence? May God give me the grace I need to desire Him more and offend Him less. Amen.
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Feast of All Saints
“Let us rejoice in the Lord and keep festival in honor of all the saints. Let us join with the angels in joyful praise to the Son of God.”
Entrance Antiphon
For Reflection:
What a happy day this is in the life of the Church! How will I celebrate this “festival” in honor of all the saints? Today, in what one specific way can I imitate their virtue and charity? All you holy men and women, pray for me. Amen
Feast of All Saints
“Let us rejoice in the Lord and keep festival in honor of all the saints. Let us join with the angels in joyful praise to the Son of God.”
Entrance Antiphon
For Reflection:
What a happy day this is in the life of the Church! How will I celebrate this “festival” in honor of all the saints? Today, in what one specific way can I imitate their virtue and charity? All you holy men and women, pray for me. Amen
