So just what is God’s plan for the future?
For the Jews living under the reign of Antiochus IV
Epiphanes, one’s future was lived through one’s children, who carried the
family name from generation to generation.
But in the Second Book of Maccabees, a new understanding of life after
death is introduced by the seven sons of a widow who are all slain because they
refuse to eat pork in violation of God’s
law. One of them taunts Antiochus by
stating that the King of the world will
raise us up to live again forever.
In this understanding of God’s plan, the future holds restoration for
those who die faithful to covenant. There
is an intimation of this hope for the future in Psalm 17, I in justice shall behold your face: he is confident that he will see the face of
God, confident that justice will come, as well as protection under the shadow of the wings of the Lord.
In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus likewise presents a new
understanding of life after death to the Sadducees of Jerusalem who challenge
him with difficult theological questions about the maintenance of human relationships
beyond death. Rather than respond to the
Sadducees’ questions directly, Jesus argues for the resurrection of the dead in a state
of perfect union, where any distinctions or boundaries between individuals are
elided as we enter into perfect union with God:
They can no longer die, for they
are like angels; and they are the children of God because they are the ones who
will rise. In the interim, Paul
assures the Thessalonians, God has loved
us and given us everlasting encouragement.
Paul’s words look to the future as well: the
Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.
God sent Jesus so that the good news of salvation for all can
spread throughout the world, bringing restoration to a world divided, uniting
all people in perfect union with God. In
the interim, may the Lord direct our hearts to the love of God and the endurance
of Christ – and may we continue to be God’s love revealed to the world, fulfilling
a plan whose promise resounds with that love.
This post is based on Fr. Pat’s Scripture class.
Image source: Wordle
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