Some Protestant denominations, particularly those which tend to be fundamentalist in nature, have very carefully worked out theories about what will happen at the end of time and/or at Christ's second coming. The second coming of Christ is what we Catholics refer to as the parousia; which is the Greek word for "presence" or "arrival." Depending upon which group one is talking with, the "rapture" will take place at the beginning of Jesus' thousand year (millennium) reign and they will reign with Him; while others hold that the "rapture" will take place at the end of the thousand-year reign and will be followed immediately by the end of the world and the general judgement. There are even some who hold that the "rapture" will take place during the thousand-year reign. This has been a cause of great division among the various fundamentalist groups but is of little interest to Catholics. As Catholics, we focus our attention on the condition of the individual soul at the time of death rather than speculating on the timing of Jesus' parousia.

To understand 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, we must look to the background of why St. Paul is writing this letter. St. Paul has had to leave Thessalonica hurriedly (Acts 17:5-10), leaving their religious instruction incomplete. One of the questions which had not been answered was whether the dead would be at any disadvantage in respect to the living when the parousia of the Lord came. St. Paul's answer is in these verses and it is to the effect that no one will have an advantage; when the parousia comes, the living and the dead will meet Him together in their glorified bodies ("in the air" since they and their bodies have been changed from being corruptible to being incorruptible and they have become immortal rather than mortal).

Rather than concern ourselves about the timing of such things as the "rapture" or the parousia, we should read the verses in 1 Thessalonians which follow the ones just quoted:

"Therefore encourage each other with these words. Now, Brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, ‘Peace and safety,' destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape." (1 Thessalonians 4:18-5:3, NIV)

We must concern ourselves with living as if every day and hour may be our last on earth; so that we may be prepared to meet the divine Judge and be deemed worthy of enjoying eternity with Him.

Recommended reading:
Are You Pre, Mid, or Post?, A Catholic Answers Tract, P.O. Box 17490, San Diego, CA 92177
The Navarre Bible: Thessalonians and Pastoral Epistles, Four Courts Press, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland, 1992, pages 49-50
Keating, Karl, Catholicism and Fundamentalism, Ignatius Press, San Francisco, CA, 1988, pages 19, 22
Currie, David B., Born Fundamentalist, Born Again Catholic, Ignatius Press, San Francisco, CA, 1996, pages 179-194
Drummey, James J., Catholic Replies, C. R. Publications, Norwood, MA 02062, 1995, page 171

Q. What do Catholics believe about being reunited with their relatives in heaven?

No one knows exactly what heaven will be like but Holy Scripture and Church teaching do give us some idea of the great joy which awaits us. What we do know is that

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" (1 Corinthians 2:9; Isaiah 64:4, NIV).

The greatest joy of all will be our ability to see God Himself as He really is.

"Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." (1 Corinthians 13:12, NIV)

We will also be able to enjoy the company of Jesus in His humanity, with Mary His (and our) mother, Saints Peter and Paul, and with all the saints in heaven; including those of our personal families who have been judged worthy.