The Eternal Weigh-in

In today’s Gospel from the Mass (Luke 6:36-38), Jesus offers some sobering clarity about the coming Judgment:

[36] Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.  [37] “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;  [38] give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”

Jesus offers both encouraging and somewhat frightening news:

• There is a coming judgment (1 Cor 3:13-17).
• Jesus will be the Judge (Matt 16:27; John 5:22).
• People will be judged based on their works and intentions: “forgive, and you will be forgiven; give and it will be given to you…”  See also: Matt 7:21-23, 16:27; Romans 2:16.
• There is certainly upside for Christ suggests a hearty reward for those who do His will.
• On the other hand, there is certainly a potential downside for those who fail to love:  “For the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”

No human can escape death.  Or judgment.

The question is:  How will I measure up?