Judgment Seat:You’ll Be Glad You Lived the Gospel

Message from Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina To The Little Apostle on 05/23/25

Saint Padre Pio :

Dear Ones,

When you one day stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ, you will rejoice that you embraced the Gospel, lived it wholeheartedly, accepted your unique cross, and welcomed this apostolate—drawing from its fruits the grace you needed to grow in holiness.

Remain strong and steadfast on the Way.

Your earthly pilgrimage is marked by visible and veiled crosses — little Calvaries of the soul — through which you will inherit eternal life and the crown prepared for you, won by the Most Precious Blood of Jesus.

Let my own life bear witness to this truth: although I received many divine favors, it was through my hidden interior suffering—offered in union with Christ’s Passion—that the richest blessings for Holy Mother Church were drawn down, for which I give eternal thanks.

Blessed be God in the highest, whose goodness resounds in heaven and on earth.

Beloved of Christ,

May your life mirror His goodness, like a clear stream sparkling in the sunlight.

__________________________________________________

THEOLOGICAL DOCUMENTARY:

Catholic doctrine consistently teaches that Christ can draw us to Himself through external, visible hardships and through interior, often unseen sufferings. Both may become salvific when we unite them to His Passion.

The Catholic Magisterium, from the Catechism to Vatican II and papal teaching, affirms that our “cross” can be public (illness, persecution, poverty) or private (temptations, spiritual dryness, interior anguish). Both kinds, accepted in union with Jesus, become channels of grace for us and for the Church.Teaching sourceWhat it saysHow it confirms “visible & veiled” crosses

Catechism §618 Christ “offers all men the possibility of being made partners … in the paschal mystery.” ucatholic.comThe invitation is universal and therefore embraces every kind of suffering.

Catechism §1521 In the Anointing of the Sick, “suffering … becomes a participation in the saving work of Jesus.” catholicculture.org Applies to any form of suffering (bodily or spiritual) placed in His hands.

Catechism §2015 “The way of perfection passes by way of the Cross. There is no holiness without renunciation and spiritual battle.” catholicculture.orgPairs external renunciation with an interior struggle.

Lumen gentium 41 (Vatican II)Holiness is the imitation of “Christ who carries the Cross,” calling the faithful to bear “interior and exterior” trials. catholicculture.orgExplicitly distinguishes inward and outward tribulations.

St John Paul II, Salvifici Doloris 26“In suffering a particular force is hidden that brings man closer to Christ.” catholic.netHighlights the often‑hidden character of redemptive suffering