As we conclude our weekly reflections on the "Last Things," we turn this week to Judgment. Over the past weeks, we’ve considered Heaven, Hell, Purgatory, and the Communion of Saints. Each topic has invited us to reflect on the reality of life beyond this world, and today’s reflection on Judgment brings it all together.

This weekend, we also celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King, the final Sunday of the liturgical year. Next week, Advent begins, marking a new season of hope and preparation. But notice how we begin and end in the same place: Christ is King! He has come, He reigns now, and He will come again. This eternal truth frames everything, including our understanding of Judgment.

Catholic teaching on Judgment distinguishes between two events: personal judgment and the Last Judgment. At the moment of our death, we face a personal judgment where the state of our soul determines our eternal destiny—Heaven, Purgatory, or Hell. This judgment is immediate and final. Then, at the end of time, all humanity will witness the Last Judgment, when Christ will come in glory to reveal God’s justice and mercy fully. This is not a second judgment but a public unfolding of what has already been decided individually.

It’s common to misunderstand judgment as harsh or punitive, but that’s not the full picture. Judgment reveals the truth of our lives—the love we have shown, the mercy we have sought, and the faith we have lived. For believers, this is Good News because Jesus, the one who judges us, is also our Savior. He is both just and merciful, longing for our repentance and eternal joy with Him.

The Solemnity of Christ the King is a perfect lens through which to understand Judgment. In today’s Gospel, Jesus stands before Pilate, proclaiming, “My kingdom does not belong to this world” (John 18:36). His kingship is not marked by earthly power but by service, truth, and love. Christ is a King who has already won the victory over sin and death through His sacrifice on the Cross.

What does this mean for us? It means Judgment is not about fear but about hope. Christ’s victory assures us that evil will not have the final word. His resurrection guarantees that His Kingdom—a kingdom of love, mercy, and justice—will prevail. For those who live in Him, Judgment is not condemnation but fulfillment: the moment when we are welcomed into the fullness of life with God.

But there’s a challenge here, too. The Kingdom of God requires our participation. Jesus calls us to respond to His love by loving others, forgiving freely, and living with integrity. Judgment, then, is not just about the end of our lives but about how we live now. Each day, we choose to build up or resist His Kingdom in our hearts and in the world.

It’s tempting to view Jesus’ teachings on Judgment as a scare tactic, but that misses the point. Jesus speaks of Judgment because He loves us. His warnings are not threats but urgent reminders to stay awake, to be vigilant, and to live with purpose. Think of a parent calling out to their child about a danger ahead—not out of anger, but out of love. That’s how Jesus teaches us about Judgment.

Consider the parables Jesus uses to illustrate this truth—the ten virgins waiting for the bridegroom, the talents given to servants, or the sheep and the goats. These stories aren’t meant to frighten us but to motivate us. They remind us that every moment is an opportunity to grow in faith and love, to prepare for the day when we will meet the King face-to-face.
So how do we prepare for Judgment? The answer lies in anchoring our lives in Christ. Here are three practical steps:
 

• Stay Connected to the Sacraments: The Eucharist is our spiritual nourishment, strengthening us for the journey, while Confession repairs and renews us when we fall. These sacraments keep us rooted in God’s grace.
• Live the Gospel Daily: Small acts of love, forgiveness, and generosity are the bricks that build God’s Kingdom. It’s not about grand gestures but about everyday faithfulness.
• Cultivate a Spirit of Hope: Instead of fearing Judgment, trust in God’s mercy. Let His love inspire you to live with joy and confidence.

As we end this liturgical year and prepare for Advent, let Christ the King be our guide. Today, at this very altar, He offers us the strength we need to face life’s storms and to live with eternity in mind. The Eucharist reminds us that Christ is not only the King who will come again but also the King who is with us now.

Judgment is not about perfection but about relationship. It’s about trusting in the One who reigns with mercy and who invites us to share in His Kingdom. Let us prepare our hearts and live each day in the light of that Kingdom, so that when the King comes, we may hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).