Readings: Apocalypse 11:4-12, Ps. 144:1-2,9-10, Luke 20:27-40
“Now there were seven brothers; the first married and died childless; then the second and the third married her, and so in the same way, all seven died childless. Finally, the woman also died. In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be?” (Luke 20:29-33)
Have you ever taught a class of children? You may have noticed how they never seem to stop asking questions. On the other hand, one word that characterises grown-ups is “complicated.” We love to complicate things by asking questions, especially when we do not agree with what we are being taught. This was the case between Jesus and the Sadducees in today’s Gospel passage.
- The Sadducees did not believe in the possibility of the resurrection, so they asked: “Sir, what happens to a woman who married seven times? Whose wife will she be at the resurrection?” Their understanding of the resurrection was completely flawed. For them, rising from the dead meant returning to earthly life, as was the case of Lazarus, the only son of the woman of Nain or Jarius’ daughter.
- In his response, Jesus explained that the resurrection of the dead was not the same as resuscitation. “The children of this age (earthly life) marry and remarry, but those who are deemed worthy to attain the coming age (eternal life) and to the resurrection of the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. They can no longer die, for they are like angels.” (Luke 20:36).
- When Jesus rose from the dead, he still had flesh and could eat food (Cf. Luke 24:41-43), but this flesh was resurrected, allowing Him to pass through locked doors, appear and disappear at will. This is exactly what we shall be in the life to come. In heaven, there would be no marriage. We shall be like the Angels. What do we learn from today’s Gospel passage? Truth is not limited to what we believe. The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection, but their disbelief did not negate the reality of the resurrection.
- In today’s first reading, we continue the revelations of St. John, where he mentions the two witnesses (two olive trees or two lampstands) who stand before the Lord. These two witnesses were attacked and killed by the beast who came from the bottomless pit, but after three and a half days, the two witnesses rose to life when a breath from God entered them. Death is not the end; it is only a new beginning.
- St. John describes the two witnesses as prophets who “tormented” the world with their preaching to the extent that when they died, those who belonged to the earth (wallowed in evil) rejoiced and exchanged presents. This reminds me of St. John the Baptist, whose preaching tormented Herod’s conscience. Herod and Herodias must have felt relieved when John the Baptist was beheaded. They never knew that John the Baptist was only preparing the way for Jesus Christ.
- Never stop doing good. No matter the persecution you face from the people of the world, do not quench your light. Do not be like them. Your goodness will protect you. As John says: “If anyone wants to harm them, fire pours from their mouth and consumes their foes.” (Revelation 11:5). God is not so cruel as to leave his faithful ones on earth without protection. Nothing can cut your life short without completing your assignment on Earth.
- However, even if they kill you, they can never silence the truth. When the two witnesses rose from death, there was a loud cry from heaven: “Come up here”, and they went to heaven in the sight of their foes. Jesus told us: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.” (Matthew 5:10-12)
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help us understand the resurrection more deeply. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saturday of week 33 in Ordinary Time Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Apocalypse 11:4-12, Ps. 144:1-2,9-10, Luke 20:27-40).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu