By Father Fred Edlefsen

In November, the Church honors those who endured time’s “great trial” (Revelation 7:14). “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here” (2 Corinthians 5:17)! “Behold, I make all things new” (Revelation 21:5)! The saints see the fresh new world of Heaven.

November is about the Last Things: Death, Judgment, Heaven and Hell. All Saints and All Souls Days begin a month of prayers to souls in Heaven and for souls Purgatory. The latter are being purified for Heaven. Like the finale of an unfinished symphony, purgatory polishes up for Heaven.

From November 1-8, you can obtain a “plenary indulgence” for a deceased person if you pray for them or visit a cemetery. On All Souls Day (November 2), just say an extra Our Father and Creed in church for a deceased person. If needed, you must go to Confession as well.

November recalls Time’s End, the Last Judgment, and Christ’s Second Coming. Christ the King Sunday (November 23rd) is prelude to Advent. From the First Sunday of Advent until December 17, the readings at Mass will continue to anticipate Christ’s Second Coming.

Death isn’t just something that happens. It’s a reckoning before “Christ’s tribunal” (2 Corinthians 5:10). Our heart’s secret “thoughts and intentions” (Hebrews 4:12) resurface. Excuses vanish. We stand before Christ who “hands all things over to the Father” (1 Corinthians 15:24). We stand on the cliff of Eternity. Judgment is imminent. Our life flashes before us in a brief instant. That’s judgment.

“Christ’s tribunal” is not a courtroom. No lawyers. No cross-examinations. The truth is its own testimony.

Why does God permit Hell? Simply put, love can’t be forced. But justice can be forced. Hell is the eternal loneliness of strict justice, enforced on those unwilling to love. God won’t force you to love Him or your neighbor. You must do it freely. Love is free, tested, and purified – and it’s the essence of Heaven. Hell reveals the splendor of God’s justice, enforced. Heaven reveals the splendor of God’s love and mercy, freely chosen. What’s your choice?