Everything that we say and do here on earth has got a consequence or a result or effect. Sometimes we are able to experience the consequence almost immediately, sometimes the consequence occurs later in life. For example, if you purposely hit a dog, the dog may respond there and then by biting you. On the other hand, if you regularly eat fatty food or extensively processed food, you may experience the effects of such eating habits later in life, where certain body organs may deteriorate or fail. Then you may end up being saddled with hefty medical bills and you may also go through suffering and pain as a result of certain medical treatment or procedures.
In the same way, there are consequences which we may not experience while we are alive on earth. When we sin, it does not matter whether we have committed venial or mortal or serious sin, our soul is slowly soiled. We begin to lose connection with God. We think that we can get away with what we have said and done, or sweep it under the carpet and pretend that everything is fine, but we fail to realise that the consequence of our words and action will happen when we are called to account for our every action or omission. Many people live lives thinking that we can get away with what we have said or done, because we may not see the consequences of our negative words and actions in our present life. But unless we wake up to the truth that we shall be accountable for our every word and action, we will die without the opportunity or any chance to mend our ways. All will face judgement on the Last Day. All our actions, our mistakes, our good and bad deeds, our sins, our failures, our successes would be made clear on that day. Although God is loving and merciful, no one can escape judgment. No one can run away and hide.
In the first reading, we are cautioned: “Of those who lie sleeping in the dust of the earth many will awake, some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting disgrace. The learned will shine brightly as the vault of heaven, and those who have instructed many in virtue, as bright as stars for all eternity.” Would we be among those who are granted everlasting life? Or would we face shame and everlasting disgrace? What is going to happen to us then? Do we know? Jesus in today’s gospel warns us: “But as for that day or hour, nobody knows it, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son; no one but the Father.” Are we going to be caught off-guard and face the possibility of eternal damnation, or have we been consistent and persistent in our preparations, with hope of eternal and everlasting life? Do we want to risk waiting until it is too late?
All is not yet lost. There is still time to amend our ways now. Let us not wait till tomorrow or next month or next year. Let us not procrastinate further and fool ourselves into thinking that we are still young or healthy and have plenty of time. God can call us at any time and at any moment to give an account of your life. Are you still stubbornly or obstinately taking things for granted and taking things easy?