what happens Immediately following Death?

What happens Immediately Following Death?

Eileen Renders

As a Catholic, I often have questions regarding our faith, life, and death that are not answered in our Catechism studies. I believe part of the reason they are not addressed is that we do not know, as the language Jesus often used was unclear to us humans.

Some of these questions include the following;

Are we judged immediately following death? EWTN answers, yes, we are. One occurs immediately following death, and one at the end of the world. How is this known as it is not in the Catholic Bible?

Are there two separate judgments? This is not mentioned in the Catholic Bible

Jesus said, “I go before you to prepare a place for you.” What did Jesus mean? We will not eat, have pain, require food, or sleep. What type of place will Jesus give us? It is not by the word of Christ, but Catholic tradition tells us that Jesus was referring to how our soul and spirit will be with Him.

What will we be doing with our time in heaven? I have found no answers for this question. I do know that the young boy, Carlos Acutis, who is being canonized as a Saint, revealed to his mother that the Blessed Virgin Mary assured him he would continue to work for Jesus in heaven, doing what he loved to do on earth.

Will we see our beloved pets in heaven? Pope Paul VI said decades ago, “One day we will see our animals in the paradise of eternity. Heaven is open to all animals.” Is that true? I hope it is true, but we cannot be certain.

Your questions and mine! Although we trust in Christ, many of our questions regarding our faith have not been addressed for us in our Catechism or Catholic Bible. How then are we able to learn more about God’s Paradise, our family, our pets, how we will spend our time there, and more?

My answer, my belief: As a child, I interpreted and believed as a child does. My faith was sort of founded in First grade that God did indeed demand that we obey His Commandments, or we could one day be punished. At such a young age, I could not feel His love and mercy. Perhaps, I saw Him as a Ruler, and we had to obey or be punished one day.

Today, at eighty-six years of age, I have spent the last forty to forty-five years wanting to know God more reverently and more deeply. I was an “Adorer” at my parish each week when the Monstrance was available on the altar. I spent time quietly in prayer with Him. I taught CCD for a couple of years, and I visited the lonely in a Nursing Home. I said many rosaries alone in my bedroom. In fact, there was a day when, after saying a rosary, I sensed a strong odor of perfume. I searched around, thinking perhaps my dog had spilled it. Suddenly, I realized I had been out of perfume and had not yet replaced it. It was then that I made the association of how often it had been said that Our Lady will leave a scent of perfume to those who pray the rosary. As a retired ND. (Doctor of Naturopathy), I have provided many Senior Homes and Community Centers with educational lectures on health, alternative medicine, nutritional supplements, and longevity.

At 86, I am still writing for Christ. I have a deep and meaningful relationship with Jesus, and often receive small messages in Church at Mass immediately following Holy Communion.

Here is what Jesus wants me to share with all:

Jesus does not demand; He has given all a free will to choose how they live their lives. He does, however, urge us to spend more time with Him. In prayer, in meditation, and in the use of rosaries, it requires us to frequent the Sacraments and follow His Commandments. To those who love Him sincerely and surrender their hearts and their will to Him, Jesus joyfully accepts. This is not to say He desires to be elevated, but when we are focused primarily on Him, He can shower us with many gifts and blessings. Some of His gifts are, but not limited to; Understanding, joy, peace. wisdom, love, humility, mercy, talents, health, and more!

To my understanding of the Bible and our Church, it teaches us how to live and follow Christ; however, the greatest gift available each day of the week is the opportunity to connect with c/hirst through the Holy Eucharist. The Church does not have answers to all of our inquiries, as they have not been there to experience and return to us with answers.

This is not to say that our perseverance and determination to make God the center of our lives with true humility and sincerity will not provide us with the answers and understanding that we desire.