The Four Last Things: A Catechetical Guide to Death, Judgment, Heaven, and Hell

by Wade Menezes

Few things in this earthly life are absolutely certain, but the most undebatable of these is death. Every person, even the atheist, will admit that death is certain. Death, however, is not the last event in this life of ours. Immediately after death, we shall be judged and then again on the Day of Judgment when all humanity will know us for what we are. Too often the reality of Heaven and salvation are highlighted at the expense of the Church's teachings on Death, Judgment, Purgatory, and Hell. Yet, these important doctrines of the Church hold the truths of salvation truths that can lead us to Heaven or can pull us away from it. In these pages, Fr. Wade Menezes, EWTN television host and Assistant General of the Fathers of Mercy, shows us that God has not called us to His wrath, but to salvation. He shows us that Heaven and Hell, salvation and damnation, eternal life and eternal punishment are all complementary doctrines. They need each other to be complete and we must understand the Church's teachings on all of these doctrines in order to have a balanced view of the world. Death, Judgment, Heaven and Hell these are the Four Last Things toward which we are moving each hour of the day and night. Read this book, and you'll have a firm grasp of one of the most important doctrines of Holy Mother Church that holds the truths of Heaven and our own salvation.

Genres: Catholic, Religion, Nonfiction, Christian, Theology, Spirituality

128 pages, Paperback

Published August 24, 2017

Reviews

[Jonathan Drnjevic]

There is MUCH in this small book to ponder. Like Father Wade's messages (on EWTN), the book rings true and serves as a guide to the spiritual life.

[Jillian Garcia]

Father Wade’s clarity and straightforwardness makes this book such a treasure. The four last things: Death, Judgement, Heaven, and Hell are often not spoken about in the church anymore. These are such vital things to remember and to try to live a spiritual life in Christ.

Father Wade concisely goes these through each of the Four Last things and provides such profound insights about the state of our Salvation. Father Wade also issued numerous examples from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Early Church fathers, writings from the Saints, and of course Scriptures to further explain the Four Last Things. I highly recommend this book to all friends and family both believers and unbelievers to turn their hearts and mind closer to God.

[Luke Soto]

It was utterly amazing!! I feel better equipped knowing how the Church handles the teachings on death judgement heaven hell.

This was comforting knowing about my salvation and what i do here effects where I go after i die.

I feel more educated more comforted and no fear knowing my faith. I feel Gods love more so and my responsibility for my future.

I learned to be eternity minded i learned bout what it truly meabs to hold onto that eternal Hope that is Christ!

I learned what it means to be part of what the early church believed. And I know my fate and can rest assured and now I can focus all the more on my life here and now and live in peace.

I highly reccomend this book you simply must read it. May it ne a blessing all the more to you as it has been to me.

[Ellie]

I realized recently that, as a Protestant convert who grew up being given sermons on "The Rapture," and hearing about the Left Behind series since I was a minor, I did not know much about the upcoming final days according to the Catholic perspective--which, I am firmly convinced, is the actual truth. All I knew before reading this book was that there will not be a "Rapture," but I needed a more thorough understanding of the topic if I had any hope of explaining my faith to someone else, if given the opportunity. This book is only 100 pages (exactly!), so it is a relatively quick read. However, I took my time with it and tried to absorb as many details as I could, even though there are some hard concepts to grasp. It's more of a compilation of quotes and excerpts, and I was expecting to hear more of Fr. Menezes' explanation of them, rather than the presentation of the excerpts themselves--although he does elaborate frequently. I do like being able to have them all in a single volume, especially for reference purposes. The reason why I originally wanted to hear an explanation of the last events in human history is because I am just now dipping my toes in this subject, and while I appreciate the new knowledge, as well as the bonus material in the back (including prayers, the Litany of St. Joseph, and ways to live a sanctified life), I need something easier to grasp for now. It's a great resource for Catholics and Protestants alike, but in my personal comparison, it reminds me of when I was in Middle School and was overwhelmed with reading Perelandra by C.S. Lewis (another amazing book!) when I was still reading books in the Warrior Cats series by Erin Hunter. I love C.S. Lewis and his works, but I've appreciated them more as I've grown up, and I know that I will feel the same way about this book. I learned more about the two kinds of judgments each person will have at the end of their lives (General and Particular), what some of the saints had to say about Heaven and Hell, and by looking at the citations and their sources on each page, I know about more works that can prove beneficial. My comprehension on the subject has expanded, and my reading list has grown, both of which are always welcome results. And since I purchased this book at my local Catholic bookstore, I can't wait to recommend it to others!

Thank you, Fr. Menezes!

[Pat aka Tygyr]

Fr. Menezes addresses the Four Last Things with scripture quotes and quotes from Saints and blessed people. I enjoyed his writing style and the information given. After a chapter each on Death, Judgment, Heaven and Hell, he has a chapter on The Necessity of the Spiritual Life. Then some prayers after that. This is a Catholic book written by a Catholic priest who among other things is a Host on EWTN Radio and TV. I was fortunate to be at a Weekend Retreat where he was the speaker. He is very knowledgable about the Church, Scripture, and Spirituality. I recommend it to any Catholic. Christians may get a lot out of it as well.

[Mary Ann]

Father Wade uses lots of quotes from the Bible, the CCC, Saints and from books. This is an easy read but one you might want to re-read. I chose to read it twice and also skim through it and read only highlighted parts that I highlighted as I read it. It is an easy read with practical advice to reach Heaven which should be our goal. I’m glad I purchased it at a Divine Mercy Convention where he was a guest speaker. I didn’t give 5 stars only because it was heavy with quotes but many of you might find that helpful.

[George Bastedo IV]

A solid read; nothing ground-shaking, but a good intro to these teachings for anyone who may not know very much about what the Church teaches regarding the end of life and the end of the world. Fr. Menezes does a good job of explaining the potentially more difficult aspects clearly and in a way that isn't overly alarming, as well as always keeping a sense of hope.

[Celia]

After attending a five day retreat with Fr. Wade at my parish, I bought this book as a preparation for my own "end of days". Oh my goodness, this is a must-read and a wake-up call for any person who thinks they are getting to Heaven. Seriously, he gives us a lot of food for thought. It is a good read for anyone thinking about your future after your pilgrimage here on Earth.

[Corey Koellner]

Fr Menezes does a nice job in this short book of reminding us we are all created for the Beatific Vision - to see the face of God for eternity. He does well in cautioning readers to always recall the state of our soul. The book contains plenty of scriptural support as well as quotes from the saints and references to the catechism.

[Bill Hart]

A Truly Excellent Read

This book by Father Menezes is extremely well written. It is easy to follow and understand. It is concise and follows the Church’s Teaching on Heaven, Hell and the requirements for a devout life. Highly Recommended!

[Sandra Cianci]

Learned so much!

Learned so much in such a small book! This is a companion to read over and over to be grounded in our faith. What a wonderful gift you have given us, guidance we desperately need

[Billy]

Don't underestimate this small book pack a hole punch! Very easy to read and comprehend. Very helpful to medicate after you read. You won't be able to forget as well. It helps me to remember when you pray and also at the mass or anywhere. Must have for your book collection.

[Kelly]

Really enjoyed this well written little book covering the Catholic teachings on death, judgment, heaven, and hell. It answered the questions I had, and it is well-cited from the Catechism and writings of the Church fathers.

[Kim Johnston]

Love the Practical Steps to a Sanctified Life and the Appendices prayers. I will keep this book handy for reference.

[Rita T Sivils]

A must for all CaCathol



A must read for all Catholics !

[Derek Emerson]

A good overview and I like the catchetical connection. At times it was just too many quotes when I wanted a little more depth.

[Kevin Rush]

Quick read. Solid introduction.

[Wendy]

Easy read, chock full of scripture and Saint quotes. A wealth of goodness!

[Janet Ames]

Excellent book for explaining the Catholic Church’s understanding of Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory.

[Jamie Jeffers]

This was a good read, but not a lot of breathtaking ideas here, unless you are new to these ideas.

[Michael J]

Fast read. Would recommend.

[Danielle]

Easy read—used with study group. Reinforces much that we already knew, with sprinklings of new insights.