The Dead are Judged

28Nov
Then I saw a great white throne and the one who sat on it; the earth and the heaven fled from his presence, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Also, another book was opened, the book of life. And the dead were judged according to their works, as recorded in the books. And the sea gave up the dead that were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and all were judged according to what they had done. 
-Revelation 20: 11-13


“The dead were judged according to their works,” not their beliefs. How often do we do the opposite? How often do we look for labels over character, ideologies over biographies? 


The Dalai Lama said, “Our visit to this planet is short, so we should use our time meaningfully, helping others wherever possible.” If you’re reading this meditation, your entry in the book isn’t finished and you are not before the throne of judgment. There’s still time to do good in the world. There’s still time to live kindness, charity, generosity, and love.  


Challenge yourself. Find one good deed to do today. Do it quietly, graciously, and humbly. Tomorrow, start again. And the next day and the next until the day when our time on earth has come to an end.  


Musical Reflection - Rise Up - Andra Day


Lord, Help me to do good with what time I am given. Help my life to be lived in action. Allow my faith to grow through how I help your people - great and small - each and every day. Amen.

Judgement

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