Rev. Fr. David Okolie
Dearest friends,
As Christians, we strongly believe that our lives will NOT end in FUTILITY. Hence, bodily DEATH ushers us into another realm of existence (Heaven or Hell; not excluding the intermediate – Purgatory), which will be determined by the judgment of God. Thus,
DEATH is the end of man’s earthly pilgrimage, of the time of grace and mercy which God offers him so as to work out his earthly life in keeping with the divine plan, and to decide his ultimate destiny (cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], n. 1013).
So, contrary to what is believed in different religions, the Church teaches that: “When the single course of our earthly life is completed, we shall not return to other earthly lives… There is no “REINCARNATION” after DEATH” (cf. CCC, no. 1013). Because, bodily death brings to an end our chances of doing any further good and because nobody knows the time for his/her death, the Church encourages us to always prepare ourselves for the hour of our death by leading holy life (cf. CCC n. 1014); bearing in mind that after death comes JUDGMENT (cf. Heb 9:27). As Christians, while we still live here on earth, we must be careful of our Thoughts, Words, Deeds and Omissions since God’s judgment will be based on them (cf. Catechism of Christian Doctrine [CCD] n. 73).
👉🏼Nevertheless, the question that must always confront each and every one of us is: Where will I spend my eternity; Heaven or Hell? Please, do not always dismiss this all important question.
HEAVEN is the ultimate end and fulfillment of the deepest human longings, the state of supreme, definitive happiness (cf. CCC n. 1024). HELL, on the other hand, is the state of definitive SELF-EXCLUSION from communion with God and the blessed (cf. CCC, no. 1033).
👉🏼Unfortunately, today, many ANTICHRISTS have emerged who try to deny the reality of HELL. Beloved, do not listen to them! HELL is REAL and the Church affirms it and its eternity thus: “Immediately after death the souls of those who die in a state of MORTAL SIN descend into HELL, where they suffer the punishment of hell, “eternal fire”” (cf. CCC, no. 1035). Hence, St. Paul reminds us that: “Sexual immoral persons, Homosexuals (gay/lesbians), Fornicators, Adulterers, Self-indulgent, Idolaters, Thieves, Misers, Drunkards, Slanderers, Swindlers, the Greedy, etc., will NOT inherit the KINGDOM of GOD” (cf. 1 Cor 6:9-10).
👉🏼Therefore, the Church enjoins us to reject hell by rejecting SIN together with its pleasures and embrace the life of PERFECTION (Righteousness) which Christ has achieved for us through the sacrifice of his life (cf. CCC, n. 1026, Heb 10:14).
We pray Our Lady of Perpetual Help to obtain for us the grace that will enable us lead a life that is heaven-assuring. Amen🙏🏼
Remain blessed!
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