Day 141: The Last Judgment

The message of the Last Judgment calls men to conversion while God is still giving them "the acceptable time, . . . the day of salvation." It inspires a holy fear of God and commits them to the justice of the Kingdom of God. It proclaims the "blessed hope" of the Lord's return, when he will come "to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at in all who have believed." CCC 1041

In today's reading, the Catechism speaks of the Last Judgment. At "that day and hour no one knows... but the Father only" (Matt 24:36), Jesus Christ will return "in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne" to judge us all (Matt 25:31-46). There is no possibility of lying, talking one's way out of culpability, or even covering up sin, for God knows all (Lk 12:2-3).

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive good or evil, according to what he has done in the body. (2 Cor 5:10)

And no creature is hidden from His sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. (Heb 4:13) 

The Catechism Compendium summarizes Church teaching in this section:

The final or universal judgment consists in a sentence of happiness or eternal condemnation, which the Lord Jesus will issue in regard to the “just and the unjust” (Acts 24:15) when he returns as the Judge of the living and the dead. After the last judgment, the resurrected body will share in the retribution which the soul received at the particular judgment. (#214)

It will be a day of great shame for some, but also great glory for "those who are eagerly waiting for him" (Heb 9:27-28). Lest some give in to despair, God has granted us time in this life to repent and receive the graces He wishes to bestow upon us to attain salvation. The Catechism Companion, Vol II comments on this: 

Knowing that the Final Judgment is coming leads us to repent and turn to God with a virtuous fear of the Lord. In heaven, everyone will know and be fully known, eliminating pride and shame. The Last Judgment encourages care for the poor and needy, as they bring good works before God. The Last Judgment will bring understanding of the purpose behind creation and salvation. God's justice and love will prevail. (p. 46)

The final judgment of sinners by Jesus Christ; carving on the central portal of Amiens Cathedral, France