Final Judgment

The pope says that the Final Judgment is a push for us to live better lives.  He goes on to talk about loving Jesus and looking forward to meeting Jesus at the end, out of love.  Let's face it.  I know lots of people who believe in final judgment theology but don't live a life that shows a deep love of Jesus.  Final judgment for the believer on the street is about FEAR!  Shape up now or God will get you.  Pay now or later.  Final judgment is not going to make us love Jesus, or love anyone for that matter.  I like the AA Recovery way.  Do good things because it will make you feel better.  Start with self-interest.  Every community organizer knows this.  When the light goes on that bad behavior makes you miserable, then you are ready for a new road.  Eventually, you will stumble into love.  Popes and Saints can do it the other way.  But for most of us, we are addicted to self.