Soon I will stand before the highest Judge of my life. And while I have many reasons for concern and fear when I look back on my long life, I am filled with joyful courage, because I firmly believe that the Lord is not only a just Judge, but also a Friend and Brother, who has already suffered for my shortcomings, and therefore as Judge is also my Advocate (Paraclete). Looking at the hour of judgment, it is clear to me what a grace it is to be a Christian. It creates a relationship, yes, even friendship with the Judge of life, and this allows me to confidently pass through the dark gate of death. Yet I am still reminded of what John recounts at the beginning of the book of Revelation: He sees the Son of Man in all His majesty and falls at His feet as dead. But He lays His right hand on him and says: "Do not be afraid! It is I!...”
(Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI. /* 1927/, letter to the faithful of the Archdiocese of Munich, February 6, 2022)
