The WORD in other words (2018) by Fr Gil Alejandria SVD – Catholic Trade Manila
Saturday 33rd Week in Ordinary Time
The question of the Sadducees regarding marriage in the afterlife gave Jesus an opportunity to explain what the Resurrection meant. For all of us, it means a totally different way of existence, a new understanding of how we would relate with one another. Marriage would no longer be a need in the afterlife which transcends this feature of human existence.
The Sadducees were applying earthly principles to a situation beyond earth, beyond human experience. For them, practical difficulties like ‘who will be the husband in the resurrection’ led them to conclude that an afterlife was impossible, unbelievable.
The phrase ‘they can no longer die’ implies a kind of existence which we cannot fully comprehend as we have not yet experienced it. We can only hope that it pertains to good experiences without an end.
This idea can lead us to reflect on the meaning of our human relationships. Why do we fall in love? Why do we aspire for lasting relationships?
Some say that being in love and being with those we love make life on earth more meaningful and enjoyable. We wish that this love could last forever, despite what others say – “walang forever!” (there’s no forever).
Strangely, for some, the uncertainty of human relationships add to its allure. We try to enjoy it while it lasts because we do not know when it will end.
For others, knowing that relationships cannot assure lifelong commitments prevent them from having relationships at all.
The prospect of ‘forever’ in the Resurrection can then be a source of hope. It can motivate us to live and relate in such a way that we would be rewarded with things that last forever when this earthly life is over.
