HOPE THROUGH THE RESURRECTION - 11/19/22 (Saturday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time)

Luke 20:34–36

And Jesus said to them, “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage; but those who are accounted worthy to attain to that age and to the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage, for they cannot die any more, because they are equal to angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.”

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111922.cfm

Blessed Saturday! The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection of the dead, and because of this, they tried to trap Jesus about this particular topic. They brought up the example of a woman who married a man, then after the man died, married the person's brother. Then, the husband died which led to the woman marrying the sibling of his previous husband until all of the seven siblings, together with the woman, died. So, as the question goes, who will the woman marry in the resurrection of the dead? Our Lord Jesus Christ answers this by saying that we won't marry in heaven and in the resurrection. Rather, we will be like angels who behold the face of God. This is important because what Jesus says here is not just a response to the questions raised by the Sadducees. Our Lord is giving us hope for the everlasting life and the resurrection of the dead. 

In heaven and in the resurrection of the dead, we will be in the state of beatific vision. This is the state where we will see fully God and be united with Him forever. This is the state of the angels and the saints in heaven. Sometimes, our secular culture tempts us to think that what matters most is our career or our own family and love life. These things are important though we also recognize people whom God calls to consecrated life where they renounce the earthly goods for the sake of the greater good, union with God in this particular state of life. But, what our Lord is reminding us is that the eternal happiness in heaven and in the resurrection of the dead is infinitely worth more than all of the worldly happiness. This should inspire us to be more faithful to God and to truly follow Jesus Christ. At the same time, since we are in this world, we will experience numerous sufferings and temptations to commit sins such as pride, lust, and many more. Living the Christian life is not easy. But, our God loves us that He Himself is our hope. Jesus Christ rose from the dead and ascended to heaven. He is already victorious against death. May He, the Rock of our Salvation, be our hope when we are struggling in our journey. No matter how difficult our experiences are, let's remember that He already rose from the dead. And, if we persevere, we will be with Him, see Him and love Him forever. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/