Reflecting on Justice, Judgment, and the Why of Faith

As we gather at the close of the liturgical year, we are invited to reflect on the profound themes that the Church places before us: justice, judgment, and the ultimate purpose behind our actions. The rhythm of the liturgical calendar is a gift, guiding us through the mysteries of Christ’s life and the ordinary moments of our own. As we approach the Feast of Christ the King and prepare for Advent, the readings turn our attention to the end of time and the reality of divine justice. This justice is not like the flawed justice of the world, so often marred by pride, anger, or revenge, but is the perfect, clear-sighted justice of God Himself. In Him, we find the one who sees all things as they truly are, who judges not only our actions but the intentions of our hearts.

This season also brings a call to holy fear—not a fear that paralyzes, but a reverent awe before the God who knows us completely and desires to heal and guide us. Such fear is a gift of the Holy Spirit, drawing us into deeper relationship and trust. The promise is that the “sun of justice” will shine upon us, offering each day as a new opportunity for growth and conversion. As the world prepares for new beginnings with the coming of Advent and the New Year, we are encouraged to examine our lives, to ask what needs to change, and to allow God’s light to reveal new paths forward.

The Gospel reminds us that all material things, no matter how impressive, will pass away. Our true hope and security are not found in what we build or possess, but in our relationship with Christ. The early Christians understood this, fleeing the destruction of Jerusalem not to cling to what was lost, but to seek Christ and form communities centered on Him. In the same way, we are called to pause, reflect, and ask ourselves: Why do I do what I do? What is the intention behind my actions, both good and bad? St. Paul’s example is instructive—he served not for personal gain, but out of love for Christ and a desire to be found faithful at the final judgment.

As we celebrate, gather with family, and look forward to the joys of the season, let us keep our focus on Christ. Let our “why” be rooted in Him, so that our actions may lead to true growth, newness of life, and a deeper communion with God.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Divine Justice Surpasses Human Judgment God’s justice is not tainted by the limitations and biases that often affect human judgment. He sees with perfect clarity, discerning not only our actions but the intentions behind them. This should bring both comfort and humility, knowing that we are truly known and that ultimate justice will be done—not according to worldly standards, but by the One who is perfectly just. [01:36]
• 2. Holy Fear Leads to Deeper Trust The only fear encouraged in Scripture is a holy, reverent awe before God. This fear is not about anxiety or dread, but about recognizing God’s greatness and our dependence on Him. It draws us closer, opening us to healing and guidance, and helps us to live each day with a sense of purpose and hope. [02:14]
• 3. Examine the “Why” Behind Our Actions Every action, whether good or bad, is driven by an underlying intention. By honestly examining our motives, we can align our lives more closely with Christ and allow Him to purify our hearts. This self-examination is not just for moments of crisis, but is a continual process that leads to growth, newness, and deeper communion with God. [06:14]
• 4. Material Things Are Temporary; Seek What Endures The things we build and possess, no matter how impressive, are ultimately passing away. True security and meaning are found in our relationship with Christ and in living for what is eternal. This perspective frees us from clinging to what cannot last and helps us invest in what truly matters. [03:47]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:33] - The Gift of the Liturgical Year
• [01:02] - Justice in Scripture and Life
• [01:36] - God’s Perfect Judgment
• [02:14] - Holy Fear and the Gift of Awe
• [03:11] - The Sun of Justice and New Beginnings
• [03:47] - The Passing Nature of Material Things
• [04:29] - The Destruction of the Temple and Christian Response
• [05:31] - Pausing to Reflect Amidst Celebration
• [06:14] - St. Paul’s Example: Serving with Right Intentions
• [07:00] - Preparing for Judgment and Growth
• [07:22] - Centering Our “Why” on Christ
• [07:50] - Prayer for Purification and New Life

Bible Reading

Malachi 4:1-2 (ESV) — > “For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the Lord of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.”

2. Luke 21:5-19 (ESV)
> And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, “As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” And they asked him, “Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?” And he said, “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them. And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.” Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake. This will be your opportunity to bear witness. Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. You will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives.”

3. 2 Thessalonians 3:7-13 (ESV)
> For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.

Observation Questions

1. In Luke 21, what does Jesus say will happen to the temple that people are admiring? ([03:11])
2. According to Malachi 4, what is promised to those who “fear” God’s name? How is this different from being afraid? ([02:14])
3. In 2 Thessalonians 3, what example does Paul give about how he and his companions behaved among the believers? ([06:14])
4. What are some of the reasons the sermon gives for why God’s justice is different from human justice? ([01:36])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus warns his followers not to put their hope in material things, even things as important as the temple? What does this say about what truly lasts? ([03:47])
2. The sermon talks about “holy fear” as a gift of the Holy Spirit. How is this kind of fear meant to draw us closer to God, rather than push us away? ([02:14])
3. Paul says he served not for personal gain, but out of love for Christ. What does it look like to serve with the right intentions in our own lives? ([06:14])
4. The sermon encourages us to examine the “why” behind our actions. Why is it important to regularly reflect on our motives, and how might this lead to growth or change? ([07:22])

Application Questions

1. The sermon says that God’s justice is perfect and sees not just what we do, but why we do it. Is there an area of your life where you feel misunderstood or wrongly judged by others? How does knowing God sees your true intentions bring comfort or challenge? ([01:36])
2. “Holy fear” is described as awe and reverence, not anxiety. When was the last time you felt a sense of awe before God? What could you do this week to cultivate more of that holy fear in your daily life? ([02:14])
3. As the year ends and Advent approaches, the sermon invites us to ask what needs to change in our lives. Is there a specific habit, relationship, or attitude you sense God is inviting you to examine or change? ([03:11])
4. The early Christians left behind what was familiar to seek Christ and form new communities. Is there something you are holding onto that might be keeping you from deeper trust or new beginnings with God? ([04:29])
5. The sermon challenges us to pause and reflect, even during busy and joyful times. What is one practical way you can create space for reflection and prayer during the upcoming holiday season? ([05:31])
6. Paul’s example was to serve without seeking personal gain. In your work, family, or church life, are there ways you can shift your focus from what you get to how you can serve others out of love for Christ? ([06:14])
7. The sermon asks us to center our “why” on Christ. Think about a recent decision or action—what was your “why” behind it? How might you invite Jesus into your intentions going forward? ([07:22])