Despite the "bonds" of St. Paul's imprisonment at Rome in defense of the Gospel, he would have us
"partake of his joy." Hence, the Last Judgment should not terrify us since "charity" for God and neighbour will "abound more and more" in an increased "knowledge" of God and "fill us with the fruit of justice," making it easier to serve "without offense."
This same charity for God and neighbour as our preparation for the final questioning, is shown forth in the reply of Jesus to the tricky questions of the Pharisees (Gospel). "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's" by social justice, "and to God the things that are God's" by interior charity.
The Introit is our cry "from the depths" for forgiveness of our failure to prepare. The Gradual praises the exercise of charity, while the Offertory is a plea for Divine Direction. As a final preparation, we must always pray (Prayer), offer sacrifice in penance for sin (Secret) and receive increases of Divine Life in the Sacrament (Postcommunion)