What is in store for me after death? Either eternal life or eternal damnation. This is a serious thing. The Word of God says: “It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.” (Heb 9:27)

If someone is summoned to appear before a judge in court, one trembles with fear. We all shall stand before the judgment seat of God, but we fail to cover evil done by us. What would a person carrying drugs do if he knew that he will be shot to death if the drugs are discovered? He would quickly get rid of them, throw them away. Each of us carries sin. In the hour of death, however, we will not be able to enter into heaven because sin drags us to hell. The Word of God says clearly: “The wages of sin is death.” (Rom 6:23) Therefore, we must throw it away, condemn it and put it under the power of the Blood of Jesus which cleanses us from all sin.

Example: A group of soldiers entered the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. They did not come to pray there but just to see the architecture, paintings… They saw a priest kneeling in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. There was a confessional near him and whoever could come to confession. The soldiers agreed on going to confession for fun. One said: “I will go first!” But the others did not believe him. “We bet you a bottle of champagne that you won’t go.” And he did go and asked the priest. 20 minutes passed and he was still inside. The soldiers asked one another: “What’s he doing there for so long? We thought he’d be quick!” Then the priest came out seriously, followed by the soldier. Although he won the bottle of champagne, he muttered that he would not go anywhere, for he had some business to attend to, and he ran away. What were they talking about in the confession? The priest said to him: “You are not disposed for confession. I know you have come just for fun. But listen! You are a soldier and you keep your promise, don’t you? So promise me that you will pray this short prayer every evening for one week: ‘O God, the time will come when I will die but I don’t care, after death I will face judgment but I don’t care, I will be damned forever but I don’t care. I will go to hell, to eternal fire, but I don’t care at all.’ That’s all, but give your word that you will keep your promise.” The young soldier, exhausted by such conversation, wanted to get out as quickly as possible and so he promised to do so. The priest added: “Whenever you need me, you will always find me here. But do not forget your promise.” And what happened next? The soldier began the first evening but after four days he finished and went to confession. He awakened to the reality. He was converted and became a zealous Christian. The thought of the last things gives man true wisdom.

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