The Day of Truth

(River to the Sea - found here)

“Like a river that flows ever onward toward the sea, the current of daily life moves ever onward toward the Day of judgment. That day will correct the wrong standards and foolish ideals of worldly men. It will be the Day of Truth, the triumph of holiness. Will I drift along on my daily course or will I regularly check my direction by an intelligent self-examination? I prepare for a joyful judgment or a fearful one by the kind of life I live today.

...[O]n the Day of judgment the rags of the poor will shine more brilliantly than the fine clothes of those who loved this earthly life too much. The homes of the poor will be honored more than the comfortable mansions of the rich. In that hour the patience of [Christ’s] loyal followers will have greater merit than the human might of this world. Simple obedience to [Christ’s] laws will be more highly praised than all earthly cleverness.

In the Day of Truth a pure and good conscience will bring more joy than mere learning. The man who refused to sin for earthly gain, will be the envy of those who lived only for this world. You will have more consolation for having prayed devoutly than for having enjoyed earth’s pleasures and comforts.

Then you will be glad of the prayerful silence you observed, rather than for having talked a great deal. Good works will be of greater value than good words. Self-control and healthy penance will be more pleasing to you than all the delights of earth.”

~Anthony Paone