April 13th - Reflection

Matthew 22:23-33 (NRSV)
God of the living

The same day some Sadducees came to him, saying there is no resurrection; and they asked him a question, saying, "Teacher, Moses said, 'If a man dies childless, his brother shall marry the widow, and raise up children for his brother.' Now there were seven brothers among us; the first married, and died childless, leaving the widow to his brother. The second did the same, so also the third, down to the seventh. Last of all, the woman herself died. In the resurrection, then, whose wife of the seven will she be? For all of them had married her."


Jesus answered them, "You are wrong, because you know neither the scriptures nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. And as for the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was said to you by God, 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? He is God not of the dead, but of the living." And when the crowd heard it, they were astounded at his teaching.

Reflection
The Sadducees based their faith on the books of the Law. So the question was one that would continue the life of a race of people on a physical realm. But Jesus answer came from the spiritual level of which the Sadducees didn't believe in either. The life to come will be spiritual even though there will be a body. But the whole phrase "God of Abraham" was used by God way after the physical deaths. This implies that God is speaking of some sense of life after death.

As we turn to Jesus and hear the Word, believe and become disciples of faith our response is naturally to follow and learn and begin to emulate Jesus. Jesus is our leader after all. As we die to sin and accept this "new life" in Christ we begin to take on that spiritual aspect in this physical world. In a way we begin to live our eternal life, here and now, on this earth. We are Children of God. We belong to Jesus and we are in communion with all the saints.

So even today...following and believing in Jesus' saving grace...we worship and follow the God of the living. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, as I open my eyes this day, I come to you to seek your will and your way for my life this day. You are the God of the living. You are life. Thanks! --- Amen