Children of the Resurrection

Sunday, Nov. 7, 2010
32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time—C

2Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14
2Thessalonians 2:16-3:5
Luke 20:27-38

Some translations of today’s Gospel passage interpret the phrase “the ones who will rise” as “children of the resurrection.” What a wonderful promise!

While it is quite common today—and through many previous ages—to believe in life after death, it is often conceived as a spiritual resurrection only, even among many Christians. It is a mistaken notion, and not what the Church teaches. What today’s readings make clear is that ours will also be a bodily resurrection.

One needs to look no further than the resurrection of Christ himself. Jesus was raised from the dead with his own body—albeit one that was spiritually transformed and glorified. Fully divine, and fully human, he announces to us: “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). Those who receive him also receive the promise of his resurrection on the Last Day.

Precisely how this happens is a mystery, but the real question for us to ponder is this: If Jesus’ resurrection embraces our humanity, then how does our humanity embrace his resurrection? In other words, how are we living the resurrection today, with the bodies and souls given us by God?

We are God’s children now (1John 3:2), Children of the Resurrection! May the Lord direct our hearts to this promise.