25 November 2022

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.
Apocalypse 20:1-4, 11-21:2, NRSV

Today’s reading speaks of the judgement of the dead. We hear of two resurrections – the first being that of the martyrs who, having already witnessed to their faith by their deaths, are immediately brought back to life with Christ. The second resurrection is for all the dead who are judged according to what they have done. We are told that before this second and final resurrection, the forces of evil will make a final but fruitless effort to win over “the saints” before being thrown into a lake of fire. Then the martyrs and those whose names are written in the “book of life” will dwell in a holy city – the new Jerusalem.

• • What do you think is meant by the “book of life”?
  • How do you expect to be judged?

You may like to pray today for those who do not know of God’s endless mercy and who fear the “day of judgement”. You may also like to ask for the discernment to recognise and seek forgiveness for your own sins.