Jéssica Marçal
From the Canção Nova Newsroom

Pope Francis begins his catechesis on the final judgement, December 11 / Photo: CTV

The final judgement was a theme of Pope Francis’ Catechesis December 11th, in St. Peter’s Square. This was the last catechesis on the profession of faith of the Catholics. The Holy Father addressed the belief in eternal life, demystifying the fear that surrounds the human being upon thinking of the final judgement.

In Brief, the Catechesis

Francis explained that thinking of the return of Christ and the final judgement is a mystery that instinctively causes in men and women the feelings of fear and unrest, but, in reality, it is treated as a motive for consolation and of confidence for Christians.

“The embrace of Jesus is fullness of life and of love” the Pope said, adding that this perspective of the final judgement threatens all fear, giving space to hope and a profound. This is because this will be a final moment in which man will judge ready to be coated with the glory of Christ and enter into definitive communion with God.

A second motive of confidence, according to the Pontiff, is the certainty that in the final judgement, man will not be alone. He reminded the Christ Himself announced that whomever followed Him will be joined to Him.

Another point stressed by the Holy Father was the fact that God did not send His Son to the world in order to condemn it, but rather in order that the world may be saved through Christ. In truth, he stressed, the final judgement began already now in the course of life and it is man himself who condemns himself when he closes his heart to the love of Christ. This is because salvation is an opening to Jesus who pardons the sins of humans when there is repentance.

“Avante, pensando neste juízo que começa agora, já começou. Avante fazendo com que nosso coração esteja aberto a Jesus e à sua salvação e avante sem medo, porque o coração de Jesus é maior. Avante com esta certeza que nos levará à glória dos céus”.

“Onwards, thinking in this judement that begins now, it already began. Onward, ensuring that our heart may be open to Jesus and to His salvation and onward without fear, because the heart of Jesus is greater. Onward with this certainty that will bring us to the Glory of Heaven.”

portuguese version