Dear Editor: During Advent, we are told to prepare for the coming of the Lord and not to let that day overtake us by surprise. I just heard a homily where the celebrant mentioned everything from trimming trees, shopping, preparing meals, being kind to one another and living the Faith in order to prepare for the Lord’s coming.

However, he left out the most important aspect and that is preparing our souls. What else would the Gospel mean? Are we to be taken by surprise because we didn’t buy enough food for our guests? Of course not!

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (No. 1035) tells us that 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.” This is why we have the sacrament of Confession. Many Catholics unfortunately do not know this and we need to be reminded.

God is merciful – yes! But His justice is equal. What better time to proclaim the glories of the Faith if not during Advent? For the last several days, we listened to the readings from Revelation about the end of time and what that day would mean for us.

We would do well to keep this one thing in mind: “We will all face a judgment when we die.” Let that shake us to the core of our souls!

PATRICIA GIANGRANDE

Bath Beach