We might sometimes ask ourselves how we can evaluate our spiritual progress before the Lord. If any of us were to be called home right now to stand in judgment before Christ, how would we fare?

 

Each of us should be asking that question regularly as we think about our life and review what we have done and what we have failed to do. That is why each night before going to bed we would do well to examine our conscience and the events of the day just concluded. 

 

In essence, the thought of our approaching death, and with it the moment and the opportunity for eternal life with Jesus, should be a constant part of our prayer and our thinking. 

 

Because we are damaged by original sin and because of our own personal sins ratifying the fall of Adam and Eve, we, by nature, fear death. So too, by nature, there is a part of us that is like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden when they sought to hide from God.

 

Still, Jesus has told us not to be afraid but to be confident. As Jesus told His disciples, when signs of the end of the world come, “stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand” (Lk 21: 28). He describes then not an image of fear of his coming, but of looking forward to it.

 

Our preparation for judgment, then, must involve the daily commitment to treasure and live the Catholic faith entrusted to us. Each moment and event of life takes on a great importance for our eternal outcome. 

 

Depending upon how we have lived it before the Lord, such moments become small contributions toward or impediments against our continuous transformation. They lead us either to the resurrection and our communion with the saints, or to the eternal loss of hell. 

 

Our final judgment is in the hands of God who is both merciful and just. Ultimately, how we stand before God will only be known to us when our life is finished. Even St. Bernadette, despite having seen and conversed with Mary, told other sisters that her salvation was not assured until the earthly struggle was over. 

 

The decision that each of us will receive will be true. But still, the question comes to mind: Can I have some sense of how I am progressing spiritually?

 

Our faith gives us various markers against which to compare ourselves. One of those markers includes, of course, the Ten Commandments which are the timeless indicators of what God wishes from us. We need to be sure that we know them by heart so that each day we can recall and fulfill them.

 

Another is the letters of St. Paul. They were written to the early Christians with many admonitions of the spiritual life and are especially helpful. 

 

For example, St. Paul reminds us that, “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Gal 5: 22). Those fruits are identifiable signs of spiritual progress.

 

Most importantly, we have the words of Jesus Himself in the Gospels to guide us. He reminds His followers of the reality of one who lives well the spiritual life. He has told us, “A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit. So by their fruits you will know them” (Mt. 7:18-20).

 

We must ask ourselves: Do I see myself as true to these markers? Do others see and know I follow Christ? Am I truly honest in my heart, in my prayer and in living a moral life? 

 

Honestly and regularly asking these questions of ourselves can help us gain a sense, here and now, of whether our lives are bearing good fruits. 

 

Our prayer and moral conduct combined with the fruits of the Holy Spirit not only prepare us for heaven, they also make us better in this life. They are the markers that help us to know if we are growing closer to Jesus in this life so we are fully prepared to meet Him at the end of it.