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In the last few years, we have all been reminded of the certainty of death. Although we know death is a reality for everyone, most of us live as if it’s not a concern. We live as if we are guaranteed tomorrow and rarely think about death. However, Jesus teaches us differently. He warns us of the consequences of sin. We are not guaranteed tomorrow. We are not guaranteed heaven.
We often find ourselves standing by the graveside of loved ones and uttering “he’s in a better place now” or “she’s not suffering any more”. How many times have we stood with a casket and said, “we will see them again”? The truth is not everyone goes to heaven. Hell is a reality and although we do not like to think of our loved ones being in hell, the truth is it exist, and it has mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, wives, and husbands in it.
“Preachers, catechists, teachers….no longer have the courage to preach the threat of hell,” said St. Pope John Paul II in his book Crossing the Threshold of Hope.
It is crucial that we understand the reality, finality, and truth of hell and we take it serious enough to share that truth with those we love. In fact, we should be sharing it with everyone we encounter when the doors of opportunity come our way because Jesus desired for everyone to go to heaven but taught the truth that not everyone will make it.
“It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, where the worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.” (Mark 9:47-48)
Although there are not many Catholic leaders who will warn about the reality of hell, the Church still teaches its existence and truth.
“Immediately after death the souls of those who die in a state of mortal sin descend into hell, where they suffer the punishments of hell, eternal fire. The chief punishment of hell is eternal separation from God, in whom alone man can possess the life and happiness for which he was created and for which he longs.” (CCC 1035)
If we lived as if hell were real, then the confessionals would be full each day. If we lived like hell was a reality and an eternal consequence for sin, then adoration chapels would be packed. If we lived like hell was forever, then our lives would reflect Jesus to the world rather than reflect the world into the Church.
We cannot wait for our priest, bishop, or the pope to begin warning people about hell and the consequences of mortal sin. We must begin to share the truth with our family, friends, neighbors, and church parishioners. We must live a life that reflects there are consequences for sin. We must live as if not everyone goes to heaven because hell is full of people who did not make it.
If you want to get to heaven, repentance must be a daily part of your life.
Amelia Monroe Carlson graduated from the University of North Alabama with a Bachelor’s Degree in journalism. Being raised as a Methodist during her early years, it was not until she entered college where she began to take her faith seriously. She was baptized as a Southern Baptist in Muscle Shoals, AL and began immediately serving in international missions and in the church.
During college, she became the Co-founder of an International Ministry, where she spent time traveling and speaking to church groups and in large conferences. She authored a Bible study and traveled abroad on mission work. She sat on the Mid-South Interfaith Conferences in Mississippi, where she defended the faith and discussed beliefs with leaders of various religions.
After a business trip to Washington D.C., where she was introduced to a former Baptist who converted to the Catholic Church, she was placed on a journey to enter into the Catholic Church.
Amelia is a military wife and currently residents with her husband and daughter in Tennessee. She is a nine time award winning journalist, receiving press awards for various categories including investigative journalism, best news coverage, and best single feature. It is her desire to help Catholics, particularly Cradle Catholics, see the beauty in their faith which converts see and appreciate the fullness of truth which the Church has held and guarded throughout history. It is her desire all Catholics fall as much in love with Jesus as she is, and love the Church to a greater capacity than they could imagine.
Amelia taught PRE for 4-6 grade at St. Mary Catholic Church in Bolivar, Tennessee from 2014-2016. She served as Youth Director at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church in Somerville, Tennessee in 2017-2018. She now teaches 7th grade (1st year Confirmation) PRE class at St. Philip. She's also a writer and frequent podcast guest on Our Warpath.
She has a strong devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Francis de Sales, St. Padre Pio and St. Maximilian Kolbe.
To contact Amelia for speaking inquiries at conferences, retreats, or parishes contact her via social media on Facebook (Amelia Monroe Carlson), Twitter (@2_catholic ) or send a text to: (731)518-6923.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ameliamcarlson
Twitter: @2_catholic (Catholic ministry account)
Twitter personal account: @ameliamcarlson
