Scripture Reflection for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
November 7, 2004
Would you Know my Name -- If I saw you in Heaven?
An old man was on his deathbed. The priest who gave him last rites was surprised to see that the old man was smiling. He asked the man, "You are dying; why are you smiling?" The old man replied, "I just remembered the 'till death do us part' vow. I've only got a few more minutes with the ol' bitty." Today's readings all deal with everlasting life. What will it be like? Who will be there? Will there be bingo?
But the Law Says
Today's first reading and gospel are both about people trying to discern the laws of God. Their belief is that if they know the law and follow it, then they will be in favor with God. But what happens when God doesn't follow our rules? What happens when God doesn't meet our need to have everything black and white, right or wrong?
The question is posed to Jesus about remarriage. The Sadducees are trying to see if Jesus knows the law that is accepted practice. What will happen if following that law one remarries? Who will be one's spouse in heaven?
Jesus, as he often does, does not answer the question directly. Instead he says, "The children of this age marry and remarry; but those who are deemed worthy to attain to the coming age and to the resurrection of the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage."
Is Jesus against marriage? Was the fact that he has no wife, a sign that Jesus hated women? Hardly. Jesus, like Paul does in his letters, is saying "seize the day!" The time of the reign of God is at hand. It is not time to talk about marriage or contracts or things of this world. If you have a partner -- great! If you don't -- remember you are a child of God and the time for God's reign to begin is now!
Good Advice From A Modern Shepard
Recently I saw Episcopal Bishop John Shelby Spong address a crowd. One woman asked him what he believed about the Judgment Day. He responded by saying that it is not something he spends a great deal of time thinking about because it is beyond time. How can humans comprehend things beyond time?
He pointed to one key place in scripture to look to if one is interested in preparing for Judgment Day. It was the passage where Jesus asks "where were you when I was thirsty and hungry and in need of drink? Where were you when I was naked and needed to be clothed? Where were you when I was in prison and lonely?" It is what we do to the least of God's people that shows how much we are living God's word in the world.
Believing in an all-forgiving God we are called to "seize the day." We are called to forget about trying to get some eternal reward in the sky. We are called to quit making God follow our rules.
Our job is to serve God by serving each other. Doing this without expecting anything in return (even from God) will allow us to live a full and happy life. Today may be all you have. Don't waste it.
Life Applications:
In what why are my actions influenced by my desire for an afterlife?
How have I helped others live fully?
What can I do to help myself live more fully?
Copyright 2004 by Nick Popadich
All rights reserved.
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