Expert: Fr. Michael - 2/1/2008

Question
QUESTION: I am currently under the impression that when one dies there is essentially nothing , that is , one is essentially asleep until the second coming of Christ , when a judgment will be made and the worthy enter Heaven in a happy state for all time.........Does that state of existence mean we will see and know again loved ones of this earthly existance?...Will I see my mother again one day after my death ?
Also, a very dear fried recently died suddenly and I'm wondering about her soul..........Can you offer me anything that will relieve my apprehension for her soul as she didn't have the last rights........
Many thanks............AC

ANSWER: As St. Paul says, "It is appointed to me once to die, after this the judgment (Hebrews 9:27).  Immediately after death is not "sleep," but the Particular Judgment, when the soul is consigned to Hell or Heaven for eternity, or to Purgatory to be purged before Heaven.

Heaven is not some perfect earth or family reunion; rather, it is a different existence altogether.  One, if he merits Heaven, is confronted with the Beatific Vision, God as He is, no longer as if through a glass in a dark manner, again to quote St. Paul (First Corinthians 13:12).  Before absolute perfection, goodness, and beauty, earthly things are no longer of concern.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I thank you for your prompt response.............Certainly , you must be aware that your answer deviates for others I have been offered....all from qualified sources.......
It's disturbing ....It tends to weaken , not enhance ones faith when topics of this import don't seem to have ONE consistent answer...........Be well , and thank you again.......AC

Answer
Since the profile indicates that I give traditional Catholic answers, I presume that that was what you were looking for.  However, the answer is more broadly Christian, as the statements from St. Paul that I gave you would be accepted by any Christian.