Episode 3202: From Death to Eternity: Christ’s Judgment and the Apostles’ Thrones

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Speak Lord for your Servant is Listening
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Pascendi Dominici Gregis (1907)
His most famous encyclical, often called the “Syllabus of Modernist Errors.” It systematically condemned Modernism as “the synthesis of all heresies,” addressing its infiltration into philosophy, theology, scripture, and catechesis.
Do you remember when you had a major test and you felt you prepared for it either very well or poorly but when you went to take the test how nervous you were thinking did I miss something or will I forget what I need to know?
Now for any of you that went to college you will remember that you have the opportunity to chose your teachers and usually it was based on what other said about those teachers. Were they good or bad. Also you may remember when in school there were some teachers that may allow you to do it over. But in any case when the final exam was over you simply said well its in Gods hands now and you dealt with the results of the test. Our Eternal Life is much the same. The difference is there will be no do overs. Christ himself was your Master teacher while here on earth and he provided you with the church as your teacher when he was no longer here on earth. Some good and some bad but you had the choice to seek out the better and it was up to you to chose to do so.
Many people today will say in regards to their lifes preparation or the what we call the big tests (Particular Judgement) I simply didn’t have the proper formation or I just couldn’t understand certain things and they just pushed it aside and thought to themselves I leave it up to God.
If we only viewed our lifes work as a means of preparing for the particular judgement how different we would live our life and how much more we would prepare. Much like instead of studying we’d go out and have fun and wonder why we failed same with our particular judgement how do we think that will turn out if we don’t prepare for it and how much more important is that.
In a previous podcast episode I read a scripture verse on how Christ said to his apostles You who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. I did a quick overview of what he meant and I didn’t think I did it justice so I wanted to do a complete episode to properly explain it. Now I did a previous episode on the difference between Particular judgement and General Judgement and so some of this may be a little repetitive but with a slight twist.
“Christ the Judge, the Apostles, and the Two Judgments”
Christ the One Judge
Many Catholics have read Christ’s words in Matthew 19:28: “You who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” At first glance, this might sound like the Apostles, not Christ, will judge us. But the Church, in her wisdom, has always clarified: Christ alone is Judge by authority, and the Apostles share only by participation, as witnesses to His truth and holiness.
Now you may say “Wait a minute Walt! Stop there. Why would Christ need the apostles to share in his judgement since they were only flesh and blood humans like us. Well at least the Protestants would take that position.
Christ does not need the Apostles as witnesses He is all knowing and His judgment is perfect in itself. But He chooses to involve them (and, by extension, the saints and angels) for several reasons that highlight the wisdom of God’s plan.
1. To Manifest His Justice Publicly
St. Thomas Aquinas (ST III, Q.59, a.4) teaches that the Apostles and saints “judge” in the sense of bearing witness to Christ’s holiness and confirming His sentence. Christ’s judgment is not merely private but will be manifested before the whole of creation. Having the Apostles present as witnesses and participants makes His justice visible, undeniable, and shared.
Think of it this way: Christ doesn’t require witnesses to know the truth but human courts use witnesses so truth may be seen. God, in His mercy, allows His justice to be shown in a way creatures can grasp.
2. To Vindicate the Apostles and the Saints
The Apostles were despised, persecuted, and killed by the world. At the Last Judgment, when they sit on thrones, their faithfulness will be vindicated. The very world that mocked them will see them honored alongside Christ.
This fulfills Christ’s promise in Matthew 19:28 and Luke 22:29–30. Their lives, sacrifices, and fidelity become a public testimony against unbelief and infidelity.

3. To Show the Power of Grace in Men
When the Apostles “judge,” their example itself condemns the unfaithful. Cornelius a Lapide explains that their holiness is a standard by which the wicked will be measured.
For example:
• The Apostles, weak and sinful men, became saints through grace.
• Their transformation is proof that salvation was possible for all.
• Thus, their very lives become evidence that the damned have no excuse.
In this way, their presence glorifies Christ’s mercy and power working in human weakness.
4. To Share His Kingship and Honor His Friends
Christ delights to share His glory with His friends. Just as He promised crowns to martyrs and thrones to the Apostles, so at the Last Judgment He associates them with His majesty.
St. Augustine says: “God, who created you without you, will not crown you without you.” In the same spirit, Christ chooses not to glorify His judgment without giving His faithful ones a share in that honor.
This episode will explain:
1. The teaching on the particular judgment.
2. The general judgment at the end of time.
3. The Apostles’ role as participants in Christ’s authority.
4. And finally, why this is a perfect example of why Scripture must be interpreted under the Church’s magisterium, not by private judgment.
The Particular Judgment
The Church teaches that the moment a soul departs this life, it stands before Christ in judgment.
• Hebrews 9:27: “It is appointed unto men once to die, and after this the judgment.”
• Catechism of the Council of Trent: At death, the soul goes at once to Christ for judgment.
• Pope Benedict XII, Benedictus Deus (1336): The souls of the just who are purified see the Beatific Vision immediately; the damned descend at once into hell.
This is called the particular judgment. It is not public. It is intimate, direct, and final. Each soul, stripped of pretense, stands before Christ and hears its sentence: Heaven, Purgatory on the way to Heaven, or Hell.
The Catechism of St. Pius X states plainly: “The particular judgment takes place immediately after death, and each one is judged by Jesus Christ.”
Here is the first key truth: only Christ judges, and He judges immediately.
The General Judgment
But Christ also speaks of a general judgment at the end of time.
• Matthew 25:31–46 describes Christ seated in glory, separating the sheep from the goats.
• The Fourth Lateran Council (1215) taught: “All men will rise again with their bodies and will render an account of their deeds.”
• St. Thomas Aquinas explained that the general judgment is not a new verdict but a public manifestation of God’s justice.

Why is this necessary if we’ve already been judged?
• To reveal God’s justice before all creation.
• To vindicate the saints publicly.
• To show the full weight of how our actions influenced others, for good or evil.
Here, Christ remains the sole Judge, but He allows His Apostles, saints, and even the angels to “participate” as witnesses to His truth.
The Apostles Judging the 12 Tribes
Christ’s words “You will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” must be understood correctly.
• Cornelius a Lapide’s Commentary: The Apostles judge not by independent authority, but by ministerial participation.
• St. Thomas Aquinas (ST III, Q.59, a.4): They judge in two ways: as witnesses of Christ’s holiness and as examples whose lives condemn the unfaithful.
This judgment is representative, not sovereign. It is Christ’s judgment alone that determines the eternal fate of souls. The Apostles, through their fidelity and their thrones in heaven, manifest His judgment.
This prevents a common misunderstanding: Christ has not handed over His authority to others. He remains Judge of all. The Apostles reflect His glory and serve as His instruments.
Scripture and the Magisterium
Now here is the deeper lesson for us: Why do some people think the Apostles judge independently? Because they read Scripture in isolation, without the Church.
The Catholic Church teaches:
• 2 Peter 1:20: “No prophecy of Scripture is of private interpretation.”
• Council of Trent (1546): Scripture must be understood as the Church has held and holds, not according to private judgment.
• Catechism of the Council of Trent: The faithful must rely on priests and bishops, the lawful teachers, to avoid falling into error.
This is why Scripture study must be guided by:
• Learned clerics and religious,
• The Catechism of the Church,
• The Fathers and Doctors,
• And the Magisterium’s authoritative teaching.
When Catholics form “Bible study groups” without these safeguards, they can unintentionally slip into Protestant habits of private interpretation, leading to confusion, error, or even heresy. A priest or a catechism should always be present to anchor the group in truth.
Practical Warnings and Encouragement
We live in a time when many Catholics are tempted to read Scripture through the lens of personal opinion, modern psychology, or secular ideology. But truth is not discovered privately it is handed down by Christ through His Church.
The teaching on judgment is a perfect example. Without the Church’s guidance, one might wrongly conclude the Apostles are independent judges, which contradicts the Creed. But with the Magisterium, the truth shines clearly: Christ is the Judge, the Apostles share by participation, and both particular and general judgment uphold His sovereignty.
So what can the faithful do?
1. Study the Catechism of Trent and the Catechism of St. Pius X alongside Scripture.
2. Seek out traditional priests and confessors for guidance.
3. Form groups only where the Magisterium’s teaching is the foundation.
4. Remember that Scripture apart from the Church is like a lamp without oil it cannot shine.
Conclusion
To conclude:
• The particular judgment happens at death, Christ alone judging each soul.
• The general judgment at the end of time makes His justice public, with the Apostles and saints sharing in His glory as witnesses.
• And all of this reminds us that Scripture must be interpreted with the Church, never apart from her, lest we fall into the errors of private judgment.
Now you are educated and so you can’t say you never knew. Maybe you will stop listening to me. HA.

Epistle – 1 Thessalonians 2:2–8
"But having suffered before, and been shamefully treated, as you know, at Philippi, we had confidence in our God, to speak unto you the Gospel of God in much carefulness. For our exhortation was not of error, nor of uncleanness, nor in deceit: but as we were approved by God that the Gospel should be committed to us: even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God, who proveth our hearts... But we became little ones in the midst of you, as if a nurse should cherish her children. So, desirous of you, we would gladly impart unto you not only the gospel of God, but also our own souls; because you were become most dear unto us."
Reflection on the Epistle
St. Paul describes the heart of the true shepherd: boldness in proclaiming truth, purity in intention, and tender love for the flock. He rejects any notion of self-serving leadership. Instead, the apostle is like a nurse cherishing her children, giving not only words but his very life for the faithful.
This passage reminds us that Catholic leadership, especially that of popes, bishops, and priests, is not about pleasing men but about pleasing God. To proclaim the Gospel requires courage, because truth often offends. Yet it must always be joined with charity, for truth without love becomes harsh, and love without truth becomes false mercy.
Pope St. Pius X embodied this balance. He spoke firmly against Modernism calling it “the synthesis of all heresies” yet his words were rooted in paternal love for the faithful, desiring their souls’ salvation above all else. His life was a living commentary on St. Paul’s words: bold in truth, tender in charity.
Gospel – John 21:15–17
"When therefore they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter: Simon, son of John, lovest thou Me more than these? He saith to Him: Yea, Lord, Thou knowest that I love Thee. He saith to him: Feed My lambs. He saith to him again: Simon, son of John, lovest thou Me? He saith to Him: Yea, Lord, Thou knowest that I love Thee. He saith to him: Feed My lambs. He said to him the third time: Simon, son of John, lovest thou Me? Peter was grieved, because He had said to him the third time: Lovest thou Me? And he said to Him: Lord, Thou knowest all things: Thou knowest that I love Thee. He said to him: Feed My sheep."
Reflection on the Gospel
Christ’s threefold command to Peter is simple yet profound: love for Christ must be expressed by care for His flock. To be a shepherd is not merely to govern, but to feed to nourish souls with truth, with the sacraments, and with authentic pastoral care.
Notice that Christ does not ask Peter about his skills, eloquence, or courage. He asks only: “Do you love Me?” Because only love can sustain a shepherd through the trials of ministry. Love for Christ leads to love for His flock.
Pope St. Pius X lived this Gospel with heroic fidelity. His love for Christ overflowed in his Eucharistic devotion encouraging frequent Holy Communion, even for children. His love for the flock led him to guard them from the wolves of Modernism and to catechize them through his famous Catechism of St. Pius X. For him, feeding the flock meant giving them the full truth of Christ, uncorrupted and undiluted.

Feast of St. Pius X
Born Giuseppe Sarto in 1835, St. Pius X rose from humble origins to the papacy, serving as shepherd of the Universal Church from 1903 to 1914. He is remembered for his deep humility, his pastoral love, and his tireless defense of Tradition. He lowered the age of First Communion, encouraged daily reception of the Eucharist, and condemned Modernist heresies. His motto, “To restore all things in Christ,” remains a call for us today in an age of confusion and compromise.
Application for Today
• Speak the truth with courage: Do not fear men’s opinions. Like St. Paul and St. Pius X, proclaim the Gospel boldly, even when it is unpopular.
• Live charity in truth: Defend the faith, but do so with a shepherd’s heart—desiring the salvation of souls above all else.
• Feed your family and community spiritually: Parents, like shepherds, are called to nourish their children in the faith through prayer, catechism, and sacramental life.
• Love Christ first: All true service flows from love of Christ. Without Him, our efforts fail.
Conclusionary Prayer
O God, who didst raise up Pope St. Pius X to restore all things in Christ, grant that, through his intercession, we may be steadfast in truth, tender in charity, and faithful in our mission to feed the flock entrusted to us. May we love Thee above all things, and by that love, serve our neighbor unto eternal life.
St. Pius X, pray for us.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.
Immaculate Heart of Mary, intercede for us.