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A theological and pastoral guide for today
Introduction: Why talk about Sodom, Gomorrah, and the Final Judgment today?
We live in times of rapid change, where the voices of the world often invite us to relativize sin, to soften the language God uses in Scripture, and to forget that alongside divine infinite love, there is also His perfect justice. However, in order to live a full faith, we need to contemplate God in His entirety: as a merciful Father and as a just Judge. And it is precisely here that the biblical accounts of Sodom and Gomorrah and the prophecies of the Final Judgment become an essential spiritual school.
What does the story of these cities, destroyed by divine wrath, say to us today? What does it have to do with the Final Judgment we Christians await? And how can we apply these teachings to our daily lives without falling into fear, but rather into a profound conversion? Walk with me through this theological and pastoral journey on one of the most intense and relevant topics of the Catholic faith.
I. Sodom and Gomorrah: More than an ancient story
What happened in Sodom and Gomorrah?
The biblical account of Sodom and Gomorrah appears in the Book of Genesis (chapters 18 and 19). God decides to destroy these cities due to their extremely grave sin, manifested especially in violence, injustice, sexual immorality, and lack of hospitality—a reflection of a hardened heart estranged from God’s will.
“The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and their sin is very grievous.” (Genesis 18:20)
In His infinite mercy, God listens to Abraham’s intercession and is willing to forgive the cities if even ten righteous people are found in them. But there are none. Finally, two angels warn Lot—the only righteous man along with his family—and lead him out before fire rains down from heaven.
The sin that cries out to Heaven
Traditionally, Catholic theology has identified in Sodom and Gomorrah a type of sin that “cries out to Heaven” (cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1867). These are not merely individual sins, but a structural and collective disorder, a systematic rejection of God’s law and human dignity.
Today, we might speak of cultural and political contexts in which sin is institutionalized: laws that promote death, normalization of sexual immorality, destruction of the family, ideologies that deny the anthropological truth of the human person created in God’s image. In this sense, Sodom and Gomorrah are not just ancient history—they are a living image of what happens in many places today.
II. The Final Judgment: the fullness of divine justice
What is the Final Judgment?
The Church teaches that at the end of time, Christ will return in glory to judge the living and the dead (cf. Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed). This is the Final Judgment, also called the Universal Judgment, distinct from the particular judgment that each soul undergoes after death.
At that judgment, all will be revealed. Nothing will remain hidden. The intentions of the heart will be brought to light. It will be the moment when God will fully restore justice, rewarding those who lived in His grace and condemning those who rejected His love.
“Then I saw a great white throne and the One seated on it […] The dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books.” (Revelation 20:11–12)
Justice and mercy: not opposites
One of today’s common temptations is to think that God’s mercy excludes justice. But both are inseparable. God cannot be merciful if He is not just, nor just if He is not merciful. At the Final Judgment, this harmony will be fully manifest: those who sincerely sought God—even amid failings—will be welcomed. But those who obstinately chose evil, despising His grace, will be judged truthfully.
III. The Wrath of God: a misunderstood concept
When we speak of the wrath of God, many confuse it with an uncontrolled human emotion. But God’s wrath is not capricious or vengeful. It is His firm, pure, and holy rejection of evil—His radical opposition to sin that destroys the human being.
The wrath of God is an expression of His love. Because God loves humanity so deeply, He cannot tolerate what destroys us. He does not hate the sinner, but He does hate the sin that separates the sinner from Him.
Saint Augustine said: “God punishes evil not because He delights in doing so, but because He grieves that man has chosen evil.” Therefore, divine wrath is not the enemy of salvation, but a serious warning: change your life while there is still time!
IV. Theological lessons for our time
- Freedom is not impunity
We live in an era that exalts freedom as if it meant the absence of limits. But the story of Sodom and the doctrine of the Final Judgment teach us that all freedom must be oriented toward good. Moral impunity is an illusion: every action has eternal consequences. - God does not forget the righteous
Even in the midst of a corrupt society, as Sodom was, God sees the righteous. Lot was saved because of his fidelity. In times when Christian values seem to be fading, this is a call to persevere. Being light in the darkness matters—and God takes notice! - Judgment begins with the house of God
Saint Peter says: “For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God” (1 Peter 4:17). This means that before we look at the sins of the world, we must examine our own conscience, the holiness of our communities, and the authenticity of our faith.
V. Practical guide: how to live today in light of this teaching
1. Daily examination of life
Before going to sleep, make an examination of conscience. Ask yourself:
- Have I been faithful to God in thought, word, and deed?
- Have I justified my sins with excuses?
- Have I called “good” what I know is evil?
Do this with honesty and without fear, knowing that God loves you and wants your salvation.
2. Frequent Confession
Nothing purifies like a good confession. Go regularly—not just during Lent or Advent. Remember that confession not only forgives but strengthens and heals the soul.
3. Doctrinal formation
Know your faith. Read the Catechism, study the Holy Scriptures, join formation groups. It is not enough to “feel” God; you need to know Him in order to love Him maturely.
4. Works of mercy
The best way to prepare for the Final Judgment is to live out love. Jesus will judge us based on love: “I was hungry and you gave me food…” (cf. Matthew 25:31–46). Practice charity concretely: help the poor, visit the sick, comfort the sorrowful.
5. Prayer and vigilance
The Lord will come “like a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2). Don’t live as if you have all the time in the world. Pray, guard your heart, and stay in a state of grace.
Conclusion: Should we fear or love the wrath of God?
The Christian does not live in fear but in vigilance. The wrath of God is not meant to frighten us, but to awaken us. It is not a dark ending, but a luminous call to conversion.
Sodom and Gomorrah remind us that justice exists. The Final Judgment reminds us that hope exists too, because the One who will judge us is the same One who gave His life for us.
Let us live with our eyes fixed on Heaven, with our feet firmly planted on Earth, and with hearts transformed by grace. There is still time to change, to love more, to live better.
“Now is the acceptable time, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2)
Are you ready to look at your life through God’s eyes? What would you change today if you knew tomorrow you would be standing before His throne?
Don’t wait. Live in grace. Love fiercely. Repent humbly. Heaven is waiting for you.
