Q157 Will we be brought to judgment after death?
The so-called particular or personal judgment occurs at the moment of death of the individual. The general judgment, which is also called the Last Judgment, occurs on the Last Day, at the end of the world, when the Lord comes again. [1021-1022] In dying every man arrives at the momentContinue Reading
Q156 What is eternal life?
Eternal life begins with Baptism. It continues through death and will have no end. [1002] Even when we are simply in love, we want this state of affairs to last forever. “God is love”, says the First Letter of John (1 Jn 4:16). “Love”, says the First Letter to theContinue Reading
Q155 How does Christ help us at our death, if we trust in him?
Christ comes to meet us and leads us into eternal life. “Not death, but God will take me” (St. Therese of Lisieus). [1005-1014, 1016, 1019] In view of Jesus’ suffering and death, death itself can become easier. In an act of trust and love for the Father, we can sayContinue Reading
Q154 What happens to us when we die?
In death body and soul are separated. The body decays, while the soul goes to meet God and waits to be reunited with its risen body ont he Last Day. [992-1004, 1016-1018] How the resurrection will take place is a mystery. An image can help us to accept it: WhenContinue Reading
Q153 Why do we believe in the resurrection of the “body”?
In Jesus Christ, God himself took on “flesh” (->INCARNATION) in order to redeem mankind. The biblical word “flesh” characterizes man in his weakness and mortality. Nevertheless, God does not regard human flesh as something inferior. God does not redeem man’s spirt only; he redeems him entirely, body and soul. [988-991,Continue Reading
Q152 Why do we believe in the resurrection of the dead?
We believe in the resurrection of the dead because Christ rose from the dead, lives forever, and causes us to share in this eternal life. [988-991] When someone dies, his body is buried or cremated. Nevertheless, we believe that there is a life after death for that person. In hisContinue Reading
Q151 What possibilities are there for the forgiveness of sins in the Church?
Fundamentally the forgiveness of sins occurs in the -> SACRAMENT of Baptism. After that the sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance, confession) is necessary for the forgiveness of serious sins. For less serious sins, confession is recommended. But reading Sacred Scripture, prayer, fasting, and the performance of good works also have theContinue Reading
Q150 Can the Church really forgive sins?
Yes, Jesus not only forgave sins himself, he also conferred on the -> CHURCH the mission and the power to free men from their sins. [981-983, 986-987] Through the ministry of the -> PRIEST, the penitent receives God’s forgiveness, and his guilt is wiped away as completely as if itContinue Reading
Q149 May we worship Mary?
No. Only God can be worshipped. But we can revere Mary as the Mother of our Load. [971] By worship we mean the humble, unconditional acknowledgment of the absolute superiority of God over all creatures. Mary is a creature like us. In faith she is our Mother. And we shouldContinue Reading
Q148 Can Mary really help us?
Yes. Since the beginning of the Church, experience has taught that Mary helps. Millions of Christians testify to it. [967-970] Being the Mother of Jesus, Mary is also our Mother. Good mothers always stand up for their children. Certainly this Mother does. While still on earth she interceded with JesusContinue Reading
