Seven Brothers, One Wife

Saturday 19th November 2022. Read Rev. 11:4-12, Ps. 144:1-2,9-10, Luke 20:27-40

“Now he is God not of the dead, but of the living; for to him all of them are alive.” (Luke 20:38)

Have you ever taught a class of children? Perhaps, you would have noticed how they never seem to stop asking questions? On the other hand, one word that characterizes 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 exactly the case between Jesus and the Sadducees in today’s Gospel passage. The Sadducees obviously did not believe in the possibility of the resurrection so they hatched up a question. “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 means returning to earthly life as was the case of Lazarus, the only son of the woman of Nain or Jarius’ daughter. Although the Bible does not tell us much about their lives afterward, each of them could have decided to marry, have kids, grow older and of course, they all died again.

In his response, Jesus made it clear to the Sadducees 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 to 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.”

When Jesus rose from the dead, he still had flesh and could eat food (Cf. Luke 24:41-43) but this flesh was a resurrected one such that Jesus could pass through locked doors, appear and disappear at will. This is exactly what we shall be in the life to come. In addition, Jesus reminds them of the experience of Moses in the burning bush to show that we serve a God of the living, not of the dead.

Sometimes I wonder about the kind of questions that Jesus would be confronted with today, especially in a generation that argues about everything. One thing we must learn about this experience is that truth is not limited to what you believe alone. The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection, yet it is true that we shall all rise from the dead. Create an open mind that is ready to listen to others and learn. You may win the argument but it is useless if you end up losing the friendship.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, help me to understand the resurrection deeper and deeper. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saturday of week 33 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Rev. 11:4-12, Ps. 144:1-2,9-10, Luke 20:27-40)

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu