Standing Before God
Opening Prayer
Lord God,
You are just and merciful.
Help us live in truth.
Teach us to trust Your judgment
and walk in Your light.
Amen.
Part One
We Will See Clearly
One day,
each person will stand before God.
The Bible says:
“It is appointed unto men once to die,
and after this the judgment.”
This is not meant to frighten us.
It is meant to remind us
that our lives matter.
Every choice matters.
Every word matters.
Every act of love matters.
God sees everything clearly.
He sees what others see
and what no one else sees.
When we die,
we will see our life as it truly was.
Nothing hidden.
Nothing forgotten.
And we will see it
in the light of God’s love.
Scripture
“It is appointed unto men once to die,
and after this the judgment.”
(Hebrews 9:27)
Think and Discuss
Why do our choices matter?
How would you feel if everything were seen clearly?
Why is it good that God sees the truth?
How does remembering judgment help us live wisely?
Allow thoughtful answers.
Part Two
A Just and Merciful Judge
God is perfectly just.
He does not ignore evil.
He does not confuse right and wrong.
But He is also perfectly merciful.
He knows our weakness.
He knows our struggles.
He knows our intentions.
Judgment is not a trial with surprises.
God already knows us fully.
The purpose of judgment
is truth.
To reveal what we have chosen.
To confirm the direction of our life.
If we have chosen God,
even imperfectly but sincerely,
we move toward Him.
If someone freely and firmly rejects God,
God respects that choice.
Judgment is serious
because freedom is serious.
But it is not cruel.
It is honest.
Guidance for Adults
Avoid dramatic or fearful imagery.
Emphasise both justice and mercy clearly and calmly.
Part Three
Living in the Light
Remembering judgment
helps us live carefully.
Not anxiously.
Not nervously.
But responsibly.
It encourages us to:
Examine our conscience.
Seek forgiveness quickly.
Choose what is good.
Love sincerely.
God does not desire our fear.
He desires our conversion.
Each day is preparation.
Each confession restores us.
Each act of charity shines brightly.
When we live in friendship with God,
judgment is not something to dread.
It is the moment of truth
when love is revealed.
The saints did not ignore judgment.
They trusted God’s mercy
and lived faithfully.
We are called to do the same.
Quiet Reflection
Sit quietly for a moment.
Imagine standing before God
who sees you completely
and loves you fully.
Now say quietly:
“Lord, help me live in Your light.”
Remain in silence together.
Practise This Week
Choose one:
• Examine your conscience each evening.
• Ask forgiveness quickly when you are wrong.
• Perform one hidden act of charity.
• Reflect on one choice before making it.
Choose one and keep it steady.
Optional Response
Choose one:
Memory
Repeat slowly:
“After this the judgment.”
Say it three times thoughtfully.
Action
Place your hand over your heart and say:
“Lord, make me truthful.”
Closing Prayer
Lord,
You are just and merciful.
Help us live faithfully each day.
Prepare our hearts
for the moment we stand before You.
Amen.
St. Mary's, St. John Bosco and St. Edward's 