Growing up Catholic, I was terrified of my judgment after death. Because of that fear I became stagnant. What if I leave the Catholic Church? What would happen if I left the church? Worse yet, what if I started observing a religion that was not Christian? I was starting to think for myself but was terrified of the wrong decision. I did believe that Jesus was my teacher, my guide, my love, and my friend, but now I did not see him as the only Son. Talk about terror. What if I was wrong?
I remember going to a retreat with Father Keating when he was moving on in years. He stated, “I do not think there is a Hell.” I thought that was blasphemy! Over the course of the following year, I started thinking maybe he was right. If God is so loving, why would he take everyone out of heaven and hell and re-judge them? A loving God would not say “Ha, I let you out of hell just to send you back.”
The last judgment is nothing to fear but something to be excited about. Like a child knowing Santa Clause is coming tonight. Remember that excitement? I do. This is truly Great News! In the Course of Miracles it says “The final judgment on the world contains no condemnation.” NO CONDEMNATION.
There is no reason to worry about our choices. God never would judge me, not on an action, not about religion, not anything. Why? God recognizes only who we truly are; Children made in God’s image and likeness, which is Love. That is all. This helped me move out of stagnation into growth.
The course goes on to say, accept this holy truth: “God’s Judgment is the gift of the correction He bestowed on all your errors, freeing you.” Now, that is a loving God. By committing to listening to the still small voice within, you are helping all your brothers and sisters.
There is nothing more important than this—whether you are a housewife or a CEO, there is nothing more important. Every time someone says yes to awakening, we will move closer to the final judgment. Final judgment means eternal peace, joy, and love. I don’t know about you, but I am ready to ride that train.
I think the last paragraph sums it up best. “You are still My holy Son, forever innocent, forever loving and forever loved, as limitless as your Creator and completely changeless and forever pure. Therefore awaken and return to Me. I am your Father and you are My Son.” That is powerful.
Theresa Contaxis 