The Default Option

There seems to be a growing if not thriving current in our society today that loves Hell, death, demons, witches, or anything evil. If you don't believe me, simply stop by your local video store (even "Family" Video). At least fifty percent (or more) of the films on the shelf have sinful, evil, or even satanic themes.

(Note: You may be feeling inclined to stop reading at this point because of my harsh language. All I have to say to that is, TIME TO FACE REALITY!)

The paradox of this lies in the fact that a majority of those drawn to this genre of entertainment would probably deny the reality of Hell. Or maybe it is that they would just deny the possibility that they could spend eternity there. It seems that as long as Hell is consigned to entertainment it is okay, but once it becomes a serious topic for discussion in our lives then it becomes taboo. At least for most people. But then there are those who believe in it and embrace it, and this is a growing group of people.

I recently heard a story about the late Bishop Sheen flying on an airplane a while back and turning down the meal offered to him because it was a Friday and he was fasting. Then the lady sitting next to him did the same thing. When he asked the lady if she was Catholic too, she replied, "No. I'm a witch, and I'm fasting for [more] abortions."

Well, the devil has definitely found a strong advocate in the entertainment industry and modern media. It seems that Satan saw the potential for these things as tools of evangelization to evil a while before Christians caught on. Think of the potential of all God's children really used their gifts for his glory in this world. The internet would be more AMAZING than we know. But we are all to often lulled into accepting  things as they are.

Hell is REAL!

In the end you have one of two options. Heaven OR Hell, period. There are no other choices. You may not be comfortable with the idea, and that is good because it should make you so uncomfortable that it prompts you to do something about it. And I'm sorry to say it, but the default option is not Heaven.

"Each man receives his eternal retribution in his immortal soul at the very moment of his death, in a particular judgment that refers his life to Christ: either entrance into the blessedness of heaven—through a purification or immediately,—or immediate and everlasting damnation." (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1022)

Thank God he has given us another option. Heaven is REAL too!

Well, then I choose Heaven. Have a good day....HOLD IT! We need to remember that this is a daily decision that we have to respond to with our lives. The devil has agents out working over time to get us to not choose Heaven. That's right all you have to do is NOT choose Heaven, in order to get the default option. And as long as you are still on Earth, Hell is still a possibility.

"Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples came to him, saying, 'Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.' He answered, 'He who sows the good seed is the Son of man; the field is the world, and the good seed means the sons of the kingdom; the weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the close of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the close of the age. The Son of man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, and throw them into the furnace of fire; there men will weep and gnash their teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.'" (Matt. 13:36-43)

We can't grow lazy! When was the last time you even thought about this reality? Because it is a reality. Where are you headed? Where are your loved ones headed? Where are people around you headed?

But remember, even if Hell is always an option, so is Heaven, and God gives second and third chances. If the salvation of your soul and those around you isn't a high priority, then let me suggest that it should be. I've heard that eternity is a long time.

At the evening of life, we shall be judged on our love. -St. John of the Cross